Michael Schumacher's 1994 Title-Winning Benetton in Auction, May Fetch £600,000

If you've ever wanted to own a Formula 1 car, why start small? Auctioneers Bonhams are selling Michael Schumacher's 1994 Benetton—the one which propelled him to his first world title—on December 1.

The German went on to have the most successful career in Formula 1 history, but his success began in earnest that season.

That said, fans of the sport will remember that it was also the year in which Schumacher fended off Damon Hill's title bid in controversial fashion, driving into the Williams racer to take both men out of the final race of the season in Australia. While it's not that very car (which took a fair bit of damage, of course), it is a model that raced earlier in that same season.

According to a press release from Bonhams, who are auctioning the car, you'll need a few pounds spare if you want to add the car to your collection:

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Placing an accurate auction estimate on such an historic car is extremely difficult, but experts expect it to reach in excess of £600,000.

Known by its chassis number 'B194-05' the car raced to victory at four World Championship Grand Prix races in 1994, including those at Imola and Monaco, the Canadian and the French Grand Prix, with two further second-place finishes.

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The fact that the car raced at Imola in 1994 means it was part of one of Formula 1's darkest weekends. That was the weekend that Roland Ratzenberger died in a crash during practice for the race. Ayrton Senna died during the Grand Prix itself.

James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director, added:

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Unlike so many other modern era Formula 1 cars, this one is complete, fully operational and effectively in race-ready condition. In fact, only a few weeks ago we were filming the car at the Ascari track in southern Spain.

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It's probably not the ideal vehicle to pop down to the shops in for some milk, but if you have £600,000 burning a hole in your pocket, that probably won't be a problem anyhow.