Ayrton Senna's 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 E Headed to Auction

A 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16, originally purchased new by three-time Formula 1 world champion Ayrton Senna, is set to go under the hammer at an RM Sotheby's auction. The car is estimated to fetch between £220,000 and £250,000.

Why it matters:

This particular Mercedes-Benz 190 E isn't just a classic car; it carries immense historical significance as the personal vehicle of one of F1's most revered figures, Ayrton Senna. Its connection to Senna, coupled with a unique autograph from Niki Lauda, elevates its value far beyond that of a standard vintage vehicle, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors and F1 enthusiasts alike.

The details:

• Senna's Ownership: Senna acquired the Smoke Silver Metallic 190 E directly from the Mercedes-Benz factory, inspired by his victory in the 1984 Race of Champions at Nürburgring, where he raced a modified version of the same model.
• Journey to England: He collected the car with fellow Brazilian driver Maurício Gugelmin and drove it back to his residence in Esher, Surrey, England.
• Mileage and Duration: Senna owned the car for two years, accumulating 24,862 miles on the odometer before its sale in 1987.
• Niki Lauda's Signature: Adding to its unique provenance, the engine bay bears the signature of another F1 legend, Niki Lauda, signed during the 2016 Australian Grand Prix when Lauda was with the Mercedes team.
• Subsequent Ownership: The car was sold in 1987 to Robin Clark, a friend of Senna's manager, Julian Jakobi, in anticipation of Senna's move to Monaco after joining McLaren. It was then acquired by the current consigning owner in 1996 while they were living in the UK.

The big picture:

Senna's F1 career began in the same year he won the Race of Champions, making his debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Though his first race ended in retirement due to a turbocharger failure, he quickly rose to prominence. Over his career, he raced for Toleman, Lotus, McLaren, and Williams, securing three drivers' championships, 41 Grand Prix wins, 80 podium finishes, and 65 pole positions before his tragic death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. His enduring legacy continues to captivate fans and collectors, making anything associated with him highly sought after.

What's next:

The auction by RM Sotheby's presents a rare opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of Formula 1 history. Given the car's impeccable provenance and its direct link to Ayrton Senna, along with the unique Niki Lauda autograph, bidding is expected to be competitive. Its sale will undoubtedly generate significant interest within both the automotive and motorsport communities, potentially setting a new benchmark for celebrity-owned classic cars.