As Grand Prix fever sweeps across the region, spurred on by the rocketing superstar-status of Formula 1 drivers, fans can now own a slice of this addictive sport thanks to luxury publisher Opus, ‘F1 Supremo’ Bernie Ecclestone, and rising Web 3.0 super-studio Glorious Digital. The trio are launching a digital Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collection called ’The Ecclestone Grand Prix Collection’ that motoring fans will be blown away by.
Opus has worked with the likes of Prince, Usain Bolt, Manchester United, Ferrari, Pelé, Her Majesty the Queen, the World Boxing Council, Formula 1 and more. Bernie Ecclestone is the godfather of racing, known for building F1 into a heavyweight of sporting broadcasts globally. And Glorious Digital is making waves — within a year of conception, the studio is working with some of the world’s most established brands including Wimbledon and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Together, the three, are releasing limited edition NFT artworks using the stunning Polaroid portraits of 26 of Ecclestone’s private collection of historic Grand Prix cars. Cars that have raised Grand Prix chequered flags, mastered by drivers and icons such as Jack Brabham, Enzo Ferrari, Bruce McLaren, Ettore Bugatti, James Hunt, Niki Lauda and Michael Schumacher.
Each NFT is created from giant Polaroid images produced by one of the world’s last five working giant 20”x24” cameras. These cameras were originally built to photograph oil paintings and tapestries, capturing their incredible detail. The digital artworks will be released as two collections — The Ecclestone Grand Prix Collection and the Grand Prix Trilogy Collection.
The Ecclestone Grand Prix Collection will feature 26 digital artworks, one edition of each car for 26 unique one-of-one editions in total. Those lucky enough to secure one of these will also access priceless utility, including an invitation to visit Bernie Ecclestone’s own racetrack and receive the original Polaroid used to create their NFT, professionally stored, plus another authenticated copy to display at home among other items and experiences.
The Grand Prix Trilogy Collection will be more accessible, with 2600 one-of-one edition NFTs , again using the images of the 26 cars, but in a mixed set of three.
Opus Chief Executive Karl Fowler says they are excited to share a sense of ownership of these cars and photography artworks with fans who have followed Grand Prix history. “The Ecclestone Grand Prix Collection has a truly special story… What better way to reach a global fan base and community whilst retaining the beauty of the Grand Prix cars than through the digital medium of an NFT release.
Glorious Digital Chief Executive, Tim Harper, explained why he is also excited about the release which further immortalises the motorsport history. “Like the millions of fans around the world, we’ve become drawn to Formula 1 not only because we are fascinated by the current superstars and teams that we watch now, but also the intriguing individuals, teams and cars that came before them, which are woven into the fabric of the sport’s origins has become a joy.”
Both, the 2600 digital artwork NFTs that make up the Grand Prix Trilogy Collection and the Ecclestone Grand Prix Collection, will be available to view at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 17 November. The Grand Prix Trilogy Collection will be available to purchase from 17-30 November. Whilst the auction for the 26 one of ones will commence from 1-7 December. Both will be available on the Glorious Marketplace.
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