As part of our Sports Memorabilia Day celebrations, we spoke to Eduardo Costabal, Director General of McLaren Barcelona and owner of the private museum, Chelsea 1979.  

Can you tell us about your history in motorsport? 

My journey in motorsport began many years ago, participating in various prestigious competitions. I started driving an Abarth Mille at a young age with my step father Santiago Bengolea, I achieved a few Daytona, and one of the highlights was winning the Spanish GT Championship in 2017. These experiences not only deepened my passion for motorsport but also allowed me to develop a close connection with the drivers and events that shaped the history of racing. 

What motivated you to become a collector?  

My decision to become a collector was purely driven by passion. The stories, the emotions, and the history behind every piece of memorabilia captivated me. It wasn’t just about owning items, but about preserving and celebrating the essence of motorsport and its great figures and stories. Over time, this passion turned into a mission to safeguard the history of each of these sports.  

What was the first item you ever collected?  

The first item I ever collected was something very special to me: the helmet from Eliseo Salazar, the one and only Chilean driver who competed in Formula 1. This piece marked the beginning of my passion for motorsport memorabilia and has been the starting point for a collection that has continued to grow over the years. 

What emotions do these pieces evoke for you?  

The emotions these pieces evoke are indescribable. Each item holds a unique emotional charge, instantly connecting me with special moments from the past. Every helmet, race suit, or accessory brings tears of joy, recalling victories, struggles, and defining moments in motorsport. They remind me of why I fell in love with motorsport in the first place and the legends who made it so memorable. Listening to the stories of riders and drivers visiting the museum and seeing their own items whilst sharing their stories with me is something I can’t explain with words.  

When did you first start putting your museum together?  

I began organizing my museum in 2020, I have accumulated 47 years of experience and passion for motorsport, the actual collections span from the 1950s until today. The collection had been growing over the years, but in 2020, I decided to create this unique museum, dedicated to preserving these historical items. It’s an ongoing project, a tribute to the greatness of motorsport and the heroes who made it what it is today.  

Can you talk us through some of your collections?  

My collection spans a wide variety of items, primarily focused on Formula 1, MotoGP, rallies, and Dakar, but it also includes helmets, race suits, accessories, cars, and motorcycles from different eras. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind collection in the world, not only chronicling the championships but also capturing the iconic moments of each discipline. Additionally, I have collections of Tintin memorabilia and antiques, which complement my passion for history in other fields like art & design, though my primary focus remains motorsport. 

The collection is vast and impressive. If you had to choose the most special items, what would they be and why?  

It’s hard to choose, but these three items are particularly special to me: 

• Ayrton Senna’s Imola 1994 Friday Helmet: This helmet is one of the most emotional pieces in my collection. It represents not only Senna's legendary career but also the impact of his tragic passing on the world of motorsport, this helmet was the latest helmet in life of Senna.  
• Ayrton Senna’s F1 car from 1991: It represents the height of Senna’s career and his fight for the championship. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of his dedication and passion for Formula 1 and McLaren. 
• Emerson Fittipaldi’s McLaren 1974 World Championship suit: This item is crucial because it represents a golden era of McLaren and one of the most influential drivers in Formula 1 history. His championship win marked a pivotal moment in the sport, and owning a piece from that era is an incredible honor. 

 

We understand you own items from every historic F1 champion. What made you decide to continue collecting these pieces?  

The motivation behind continuing to collect items from every historic F1 champion comes from a desire to preserve the global history of motorsport. Every F1 champion represents a unique chapter in the evolution of the sport. My goal is to ensure that these stories are not forgotten and to allow future generations to appreciate the greatness of these drivers and the milestones they reached. Collecting these items is my way of safeguarding the rich history of motorsport. 

The museum is a private collection, but it has been used for different special events. Could you reveal some of the places where people have been able to experience your museum?  

Yes, my museum has been used for several special events, such as the grand opening of the museum - for this occasion we had the honor to welcome Ari Vatanen, Bruno Senna, Fabio Quartararo, Aleix Espargaró, Emerson Fittipaldi, Sir Jackie Stewart, Eliseo Salazar, Santiago Bengolea, Jo. Ramírez, Zak Brown.  

My close relationship with McLaren has played a significant role in this. The museum is located nearby the McLaren Barcelona dealership, which is the brand’s representation in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal, and Andorra). This space is not open to the public, only accessible in special events (private and corporative) and to riders and drivers, who are invited to experience the collection as if it were their own home. It's a place where they can see memorabilia related to their own careers, making it a unique experience. 

Why do you think sports memorabilia means so much to people?  

Sports memorabilia holds immense value because it connects people with iconic moments, emotions, and the heroes they admire. These pieces serve as tangible links to the glory of the sport, allowing fans to relive unforgettable events and celebrate the achievements of their favorite athletes. For many, owning a piece of memorabilia is like owning a piece of history. It’s unique, personal, and represents an irreplaceable connection to the athletes and the events that shaped the world of sport. My collection, being unique in the world, (hopefully) plays a role in preserving this connection for future generations.