Nick Mason – Pink Floyd’s Drummer and Legendary Car Collector

Nick Mason is best known as the drummer and only constant member of Pink Floyd, a band that redefined rock music over five decades. Beyond the music, he has built one of the world’s most impressive private collections of classic and racing cars.

From his early days in London’s underground scene to driving historic Ferraris at Goodwood, Mason’s life represents a rare blend of artistic endurance and mechanical passion. This article examines his career, his wealth, and the cars he has gathered under the name Ten Tenths.

The facts presented here are drawn from verified sources, including biographical records, financial reports, and automotive journalism. Where figures vary, that uncertainty is noted.

What Cars Does Nick Mason Own? A Deep Dive into His Ferrari Collection

Nick Mason’s interest in cars is almost as old as his music career. He has owned, raced, and restored dozens of vehicles, many of which are among the most significant in motorsport history. To understand the value of his most famous car, read about the Ferrari 250 GTO: The most expensive car ever sold.

Key Insights

• Mason is the only musician to appear on every Pink Floyd album, from The Piper at the Gates of Dawn to The Endless River.
• His car collection is one of the most valuable celebrity collections, featuring a Ferrari 250 GTO worth well over $70 million according to some reports.
• Despite Pink Floyd’s hiatus, Mason continues to perform live with his band Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, focusing on early Floyd material.
• He is a published author (Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd) and co-owner of a car restoration business.

Snapshot Facts

The centerpiece of his collection is a Ferrari 250 GTO, which he purchased in 1977 or 1978 for approximately £35,000–£37,000. More than forty years later, that same car is estimated by various reports to be worth well over £30 million, with some sources placing it above £40 million or even $50 million, according to Forbes and other outlets.

Mason’s collection, often referred to as Ten Tenths, contains approximately 30 to 40 or more serious cars, depending on the source and date of reporting. Porsche Motor Cars Sales describes it as a museum-level assortment of historic race and sports cars.

Notable cars in the collection include a Ferrari 250 MM, a LaFerrari, a Ferrari 512 S, an Aston Martin Ulster (along with LM17, LM18, and LM21), a Bugatti Type 35, a Bugatti Type 51, a Maserati 250F, a Maserati Birdcage, a Jaguar D-Type, a Porsche 962, and a McLaren F1 GTR in some lists.

What Is Nick Mason’s Net Worth and How Did He Earn It?

Nick Mason’s net worth is reported differently across sources. The Sunday Times Rich List for 2015–2016 placed his wealth at £75 million, a figure that is widely cited and considered the most defensible in the provided research. Other secondary estimates, particularly in entertainment and automotive coverage, range higher, including figures around $180 million or more.

These discrepancies arise because the estimates come from different years and use different methodologies. Mason’s income streams include decades of Pink Floyd royalties from album sales, streaming, and licensing, as well as revenue from his touring band Saucerful of Secrets and his car-related ventures.

What Is Nick Mason’s Tour Schedule and Saucerful of Secrets?

In 2018, Mason formed Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, a band dedicated to performing Pink Floyd’s early psychedelic material, especially the period before The Dark Side of the Moon. The project has toured widely, allowing fans to hear songs that had not been performed live in decades.

Mason continues to tour and perform with this group. The official website thesaucerfulofsecrets.com provides verified tour dates and event listings. Coverage from Gold Radio notes that Mason still actively performs this repertoire.

Who Is Nick Mason’s Wife and What Is His Personal Life?

Nick Mason married Nona Trustow in 1990, and they remain together. He was born in Birmingham, England, on 27 January 1944, making him 80 years old as of 2024. Details of his earlier marriages are less prominently documented in the provided sources.

What Albums Has Nick Mason Released and What Is His Role in Pink Floyd?

Mason is a co-founder of Pink Floyd, which formed in 1965. He is the only member to appear on every Pink Floyd album, from their 1967 debut The Piper at the Gates of Dawn to their 2014 final album The Endless River. He also co-wrote key tracks including “Echoes,” “Time,” “Careful with That Axe, Eugene,” and “One of These Days.” For a deeper look at the band’s history, see our article on Pink Floyd discography and history.

Beyond Pink Floyd, Mason has been involved in a variety of projects. He has authored the book Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd. His solo work includes assisting on film scores and contributing to other musicians’ projects, though his main musical focus remains Saucerful of Secrets.

Timeline of Nick Mason’s Life and Career

1. 1944: Born in Birmingham, England.
2. 1965: Co-founds Pink Floyd with Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright.
3. 1967: Pink Floyd releases debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.
4. 1973: The Dark Side of the Moon is released, becoming a global phenomenon.
5. 1985: Pink Floyd disbands after Roger Waters leaves; Mason continues with Gilmour and Wright.
6. 1994: Final Pink Floyd studio album with the classic lineup, The Division Bell, is released.
7. 2005: Pink Floyd reunites for the Live 8 concert.
8. 2014: The Endless River, the last Pink Floyd album, is released.
9. 2018: Forms Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets to perform pre-Dark Side of the Moon Floyd material.
10. 2023: Continues touring with Saucerful of Secrets; car collection featured in multiple major articles.

What Do We Know with Certainty, and What Remains Unclear?

Understanding Nick Mason’s Broader Impact

Nick Mason’s role in Pink Floyd often goes underappreciated compared to Roger Waters and David Gilmour. His steady, precise drumming provided the rhythmic backbone for the band’s experimental and progressive sound. Outside music, his car collection reflects a deep passion for engineering and design, paralleling his interest in the mechanics of music.

The Saucerful of Secrets project demonstrates Mason’s desire to keep the early, psychedelic era of Pink Floyd alive. It appeals to both new listeners and longtime fans who remember the band’s formative years. He has also competed at the Le Mans classic and other historic motorsport events, participating through his company Ten Tenths, as noted by ESPN and Motorsport Magazine.

Quotes and Sources

“I’m a very simple drummer. I don’t like to overcomplicate things.”

— Nick Mason, Rolling Stone interview

“I’ve always been interested in cars, and I’ve been lucky enough to buy some of the best.”

— Nick Mason, The Guardian article on his car collection

Primary sources for this article include Nick Mason Wikipedia, the official Saucerful of Secrets website, verified social media accounts, and interviews with major publications. Secondary sources include the book Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd and documentaries such as Pink Floyd: The Story of Wish You Were Here.

What Comes Next for Nick Mason?

Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets has upcoming tour dates listed on the official site. There is potential for new music or archival releases from Pink Floyd or Mason’s solo projects. The car collection may also see exhibitions or select auctions. Mason continues to make media appearances and give interviews, maintaining a public profile that balances his musical legacy with his automotive passion.

Frequently Asked Questions