RICHIE BENAUD was more concerned about his treasured car than himself when he ran into a brick fence this week.

Benaud, 83, is recovering in the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney with chest and shoulder injuries after hitting a nature strip then a fence while returning home to his home suburb of Coogee on Wednesday after hitting some practice golf balls.

He is expected to be in hospital for a fortnight and no decision has been made on whether he will be at the Gabba for the first Test between Australia and England.

"No one else was injured and I was more worried about the car than myself," Benaud said in a statement about the 1963 Sunbeam Alpine, which is one of his most precious possessions.

The 1963 Sunbeams are a quirky work of art. Don Adams drove one as Maxwell Smart in Get Smart, as did musical and entertainment legends Paul Simon and Sammy Davis Junior.

Richie once sold his treasured possession when he was touring overseas but spotted it for sale and repurchased it when he returned to Sydney.

Benaud’s wife Daphe said: "Richie’s remarkable. At first I was quite concerned but today he’s looking unbelievably well."

Nine boss David Gyngell said Benaud would return to the commentary box when he was ready.

"Richie is a national treasure," Gyngell said.

"In the Nine family, he sits at the head of the table. As always he and Daphne have our support and Richie will return to call the coming Ashes series against England - his 36th summer in Nine's Wide World of Sports commentary box - when he is good and ready."