Ayrton Senna's 1991 Brazilian GP-Winning McLaren MP4/6 Heads to Auction

Ayrton Senna's iconic 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix-winning McLaren MP4/6, a car synonymous with one of F1's most heroic drives, is hitting the auction block. Chassis number 1, which delivered Senna his first emotional home victory, is expected to fetch between $12 million and $15 million in a sealed-bid auction by RM Sotheby's.

Why it matters:

This isn't just a car; it's a tangible piece of Formula 1 history and a relic of Ayrton Senna's legendary career. The MP4/6 represents a pivotal moment in Senna's championship year and his personal journey, encapsulating the raw emotion and unparalleled skill that defined him. Its sale offers a rare opportunity to own a championship-winning car driven by one of the sport's greatest.

The Details:

• Historic Victory: The McLaren MP4/6 (chassis number 1) is the very car Senna drove to victory at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, his long-sought-after first win on home soil.
• Heroic Drive: During the race, Senna famously battled a failing gearbox, stuck in sixth gear, and torrential rain to nurse the car across the finish line, suffering immense physical pain and emotional exhaustion.
• Senna's Words: After the race, Senna recounted the ordeal, stating he had "nothing left" and that "God gave me this race," highlighting the profound personal struggle and ultimate triumph.
• Engineering Marvel: The MP4/6 was the last F1 car to win a championship with a manual gearbox and a naturally aspirated V12 engine (Honda). It featured a 3.5-litre V12 producing 720 horsepower at 13,800 rpm, housed in a carbon fiber monocoque chassis.
• Provenance: The car was retained by McLaren for nearly 30 years before being restored by McLaren Heritage. It was sold to its sole private owner in 2020, making this only the second time an ex-Senna championship-winning car has entered private hands.

The Big Picture:

The 1991 season was Senna's third and final world championship year. The MP4/6 was a dominant machine, securing seven wins and eight pole positions throughout the season. Senna's victory in Brazil with this car stands as one of the most iconic moments in Formula 1, showcasing his sheer willpower and ability to push beyond human limits. It's a testament to an era when driver skill and mechanical robustness were paramount, before the advent of extensive electronic aids.

What's next:

The sealed-bid auction by RM Sotheby's is expected to attract significant interest from global collectors and motorsport enthusiasts, given the car's provenance and the enduring legacy of Ayrton Senna. The sale of such a historically significant vehicle underscores the increasing value placed on tangible pieces of sporting heritage, particularly those connected to legends like Senna. Its new owner will acquire not just a car, but a piece of F1 history that continues to inspire.