Photo credit: Ultimatecarpage
The rhythm of a legendary band like Pink Floyd comes from its drummer. If the drummer gets behind the wheel, the engine’s rhythm inevitably changes. For the better. That’s what has always happened with Nick Mason, drummer, co-founder and the only permanent member of Pink Floyd. Everyone knows him but it’s worth remembering that his band has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, something that has allowed him to turn his great passion for cars into a reality. His collection of classic models is truly magnificent and contains pieces of absolute excellence, first among all the 250 GTO #3757. But it’s not enough for him to collect them. It would be like owning a set of drums and never playing them. He drives them, he drives his classic cars in races dedicated to them, such as the Goodwood Revival and Le Mans Classic.
His passion combines with a genuine skill that has allowed him to be invited as a judge at great international competitions such as Villa d’Este and peninsula Best of the Best, and he drives real racing cars like he did at Le Mans 24 Hours where he participated for several years from 1979 to 1984 scoring two class podiums. His passion also led him to write. His book, “Into the red” co-authored with Mark Hales is an authentic bestseller.
We are delighted to present some of the cars from his collection.
1925 Bugatti Type 35B
Described by Bugatti in the 1920s as “the most successful racing car in the world”, Nick Mason’s collection couldn’t possibly be without the Type 35B.
1935 Aston Martin Ulster
The Ulster is the car that allowed Aston Martin to make itself known before the Second World War by participating in the most important competitions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia. Nick Mason has owned three: LM17, LM18 and LM21 pictured.
1953 Ferrari 250MM
Purchased in 2011 the Ferrari 250MM that raced in the Carrera Panamericana in 1953. Note the period Spanish livery.
1955 Jaguar D-Type
Three-time winner at Le Mans, the Jaguar D-Type is one of the most beautiful and beloved racing cars of all time. Nick Mason likes to drive it on fast circuits like Goodwood.
1957 Maserati 250 F
Mason owns one of the 26 Maserati 250 F’s ever built. Starring in the Formula 1 World Championship in the 1950s it won the World Championship with Fangio in 1954 and contributed, again with Fangio, to the victory in 1957.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
In 1964, in the stands of the Goodwood Circuit with his father, a young Nick Mason admired a Ferrari 250 GTO during the race. Mason’s example finished third in the 1962 Le Mans 24 Hours and has never been restored.
1970 Ferrari 512 S
Mason’s 512 S officially raced for Ferrari in 1970, finishing third at Daytona and first at Sebring. It was bought by Steve McQueen’s Solar Productions and used in the filming of Le Mans. The restoration was carried out with the help of former Swiss driver Herbert Muller, who provided the spare parts to complete the car.
1996 McLaren F1 GTR
The McLaren F1 GTR owned by Nick Mason has a history that deserves to be told. It was the first GTR to be approved for street use and was purchased by the former Pink Floyd member from none other than Ron Dennis (former McLaren team principal). During the 75th Goodwood Members Meeting it was involved in an accident with Nick behind the wheel.