Formula One champ's '$180,000' Ferrari 512 set for classic car auction

Jenson Button's Berlinetta Boxer will go under the hammer at Bonhams next month

A 1978 Ferrari 512BB Berlinetta Boxer owned by British Formula One driver, Jenson Button, is to be sold by Bonhams on April 11.

The car forms part of the auction house's Collectors' Motor Cars sale at the RAF Museum in Hendon.

The car was bought last year by Button, the then reigning Formula One world champion, and has attracted a pre-sale high end estimate of £110,000.

Due to a busy schedule as Britain's number one Formula One point-scorer, Button has decided to part with the car.

"I've had a great time driving the Boxer, however my F1 commitments will not enable me to enjoy the car to its fullest," he said.

"It has had a thorough service that has addressed all the usual issues of an older Ferrari."

The car was ordered new in December 1977 and delivered to its first owner, Stafford Pemberton, in April 1978.

A famous car and a famous owner: yours for £110,000

It has had £94,000 spent on it over the past 33 years, which includes a bodywork refurbishment and an all-new interior conducted by renowned marque specialist, Nick Cartwright, in the 1980s.

With 49,155 miles on the odometer, the car is in excellent original condition and comes finished in black with a light oatmeal leather interior.

Although not everyone can get their hands on a vehicle once owned by an F1 champ, signed photographs of Button and his rivals come at more tempting prices for those looking to invest.