Someone Purchased Jenson Button’s 1970 Bronco. They Now Demand a Refund

The individual who acquired Button’s Bronco was the British entrepreneur Leo Eccles. He willingly paid a substantial premium to own a classic Bronco associated with the 2009 world champion. However, Eccles discovered upon receiving the vintage SUV that it was previously owned by Button’s then-partner, the American model Brittany Ward. At the time of the sale, Button and Ward were in a relationship, which has since led to marriage. While there is a tangible connection between Button and the car, as he was seen driving it publicly multiple times, the question of actual ownership arises, particularly if the Collecting Cars listing indicated it belonged to Button.

The listing stated, “It has been in Jenson’s ownership for the last four years, and features a raft of discerning upgrades.” In an interview on the Collecting Cars podcast, Button mentioned, “I’ve got a Bronco, which is actually really not mine, it’s my missus’ car, but I’ll say it’s mine.”

It is conceivable that Button acquired the car for Ward, and as per the Daily Mail, court documents suggest Button offered to transfer the Bronco’s registration to his name. The documents also mention that Eccles requested specific changes to the car, like the addition of rear seatbelts, which Button promptly completed. Additionally, Eccles asked Button to store the Bronco until arrangements could be made for its shipment and registration, to which Button agreed.

Presently, Eccles seeks to nullify the sale and reclaim his money due to the ownership discrepancy. Button is countering Eccles’ claims with a charge of “defamatory relief,” alleging that Eccles is attempting to retract from the agreement because of challenges in registering the car in South Africa, where he is currently situated.

If the assertions of both parties are accurate, it appears that Button is acting reasonably, offering to transfer the Bronco’s registration to his name, covering the cost of modifications, and providing storage since the sale for Eccles. Whether Ward bought the Bronco independently or Button purchased it for her remains uncertain; nonetheless, it was a vehicle frequently driven by the F1 champion. Furthermore, now that he is married to the proprietor, it has become a family vehicle for him.

What started as a simple transaction has transformed into a convoluted legal tussle. The resolution of this predicament and whether Eccles will eventually take possession of the Bronco or compel Button to issue a refund await further developments.

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