Jean Alesi's Untouched 1992 Ferrari F92A Heads to Auction

Jean Alesi’s personal 1992 Ferrari F92A, a Formula 1 car that has remained untouched in his private collection for three decades, is now up for auction. The chassis, gifted to the French driver by the Scuderia at the end of the season, carries an estimate of €3-5 million and is being sold without reserve by Artcurial.

Why it matters:

This isn't just a collector's item; it is a genuine time capsule from a distinct era of Ferrari's design history. The F92A was a technological experiment featuring a controversial "double floor" concept, representing the team's aggressive engineering efforts during the early 90s. For collectors, the car’s pristine, unrestored condition offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the exact mechanical state of a Grand Prix car as it left the track.

The Details:

• Time Capsule Status: The car has essentially sat dormant since 1992. Alesi recalled doing a shakedown at Fiorano, loading the car into his truck with the engine still warm, and parking it at his villa where it hasn't moved since.
• Aerodynamic Anomaly: The F92A is famous for its double-floor aerodynamics, designed to generate significant downforce. While Alesi noted it produced more grip than rivals, the car was notoriously difficult to handle.
• Engineering Quirks: The car suffered from "blow-by," where pistons pumped oil out of the sump, causing engine failures. The solution was a secondary oil tank refilled during races via a "P-ON" button on the steering wheel—a system that confused rival teams.
• A Presidential Gift: Alesi acquired the car after expressing his feelings about teammate Gerhard Berger's arrival to Niki Lauda. Ferrari's president subsequently gifted him the chassis as a gesture of respect, a rare occurrence in modern F1.

Looking Ahead:

The auction presents a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of Ferrari history with direct provenance from its beloved driver. Alesi expressed his hope that the new owner will cherish the machine as much as he has, preserving the legacy of one of Formula 1's most idiosyncratic designs.