The world had never seen a driver like Michael Schumacher before he hit the scene. And we may never again. But at least we can pretend by driving one of his race cars. Or we could, if we had the money to buy one.

Coming up for auction in Monaco this May is a 1992 Benetton-Ford B192 – the very one that Schumi drove in his second season on the Formula One grid.

Replacing the B191 designed by John Barnard, the B192 was the work of Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne. After three rounds in the modified B191B, Schumacher entered the fourth round in Spain with this chassis, qualifying in second place alongside Nigel Mansell and following him straight to the finish line.

According to our research, that was the only time this car was used, subsequently relegated to reserve role. But with the second-place finish in Spain, six more podiums, and a race win in Belgium, Michael finished third in the standings that season (behind Williams’ Mansell and Riccardo Patrese). He finished fourth the next season, but followed that with two back-to-back world championships – still at Benetton, before switching to Ferrari for five more.

That may not leave this Ford V8-powered B192 as one of the most important cars Schumi drove over the course of his long and unsurpassedly accomplished career. But that means it’s likely to sell for less than his later championship-winning cars. So if you’re hell-bent on acquiring one of the legend’s racers, the RM Sotheby’s auction in Monte Carlo on May 12 could be your best chance.

Photos by Tim Scott, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s