If you have an affinity for machines with a unique and storied past, you'd be hard-pressed to discover one more captivating than the Honda ST 70 'Ferrari' Formula One Paddock Bike. This exceptional piece is currently up for auction as part of RM Sotheby's Nigel Mansell’s Legacy Collection, and it is intrinsically linked to the years when Nigel Mansell, affectionately known as Il Leone by his fans, raced for the renowned Scuderia Ferrari.

For those who may not be acquainted with the story, Nigel Mansell, a British racing sensation of the 1980s and early 1990s, was recognized for his remarkable talent, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering determination. Right from the inception of his racing career, well before ascending to the Formula One echelons, he gained notoriety for pushing both his cars and himself to the absolute limit.

A Brief Glimpse into Nigel Mansell's Racing Journey

Can you name many individuals who would experience a severe accident resulting in a near quadriplegic neck injury, only to sneak out of the hospital to compete in their next race? Such a chapter is an integral part of Mansell's life story, transpiring during his pursuit of the 1977 British Formula Ford championship. Remarkably, this indomitable spirit accompanied him throughout his illustrious racing career.

After initially serving as a test driver for Colin Chapman's Lotus Formula One team, Mansell endured severe burns during his Formula One debut at the 1980 Austrian Grand Prix. He continued to race with Lotus for several years before making the transition to Williams in 1985, where he finally began accumulating victories. During this period, he came agonizingly close to clinching the coveted F1 Drivers' World Championship twice, only to be thwarted by untimely setbacks.

In 1989, Mansell made the pivotal move to Ferrari, endearing himself to fans with his 'win it or bin it' approach, earning him the nickname 'Il Leone' (The Lion). One standout moment from this season, enshrined in the Formula One Drivers' Hall of Fame, recounts his remarkable victory at the Hungaroring. Despite starting from a seemingly insurmountable 12th position, Mansell masterfully maneuvered his way through the field, overtaking Ayrton Senna's McLaren in a breathtaking spectacle and ultimately securing the race win.

In 1992, Mansell achieved his dream by becoming the Formula One World Champion with Williams. The following year, he embarked on a new adventure by making the unprecedented transition from Formula One to the CART Indycar World Series, where he became the first rookie to capture the championship in his debut season in 1993. As of the time of this writing, Mansell remains the sole driver in history to simultaneously hold the titles of Formula One Drivers' Champion and CART champion.

The captivating story of this Ferrari-themed Honda ST 70 pit bike unfolds during the 1989 racing season, explaining the "1989" designation in the listing. While Honda discontinued production of the ST 70 in 1981, the companion model, the CT 70, continued until 1994. The factory plaque on this ST 70 confirms its identity as an ST 70, but the exact year of manufacture remains shrouded in mystery.

Nevertheless, this detail may be of marginal significance to prospective bidders vying for ownership of this distinctive bike. Whether it is operational as of August 2023 is uncertain, but its value may transcend mere functionality. Enthusiasm, expertise, and spare parts are readily available, suggesting that restoring this charming 72cc single-cylinder machine to riding condition could be a gratifying endeavor for its fortunate new owner.

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