Ayrton Senna's Honda NSX Sets Auction Record at £871,250

A Honda NSX once used by three-time Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna has set an auction record for the model, selling for £871,250 at RM Sotheby’s in London on 31 October. The car, chassis T000233, was one of three NSXs Honda provided to Senna during his time with the McLaren-Honda F1 team.

Why it matters:

The sale highlights Senna’s enduring legacy and the booming market for F1 memorabilia. The NSX, which Senna helped develop, is a tangible link to the Brazilian legend, whose cultural impact transcends the sport.

The details:

• The NSX was estimated to sell for between £500,000 and £800,000 but exceeded expectations.
• It was originally registered in Portugal in 1991 and kept in Lisbon for Senna’s personal use when he visited his property there.
• After Senna’s tragic death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, the car was sold to Robert McKagan and moved to the UK.
• It returned to Japan in 2024 before coming back to the UK for this auction.
• The NSX features a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 271bhp, accelerating from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 165mph.
• Senna was involved in testing the NSX and famously drove it at Suzuka Circuit.

What’s next:

The record sale underscores the soaring value of Senna-related collectibles. As F1’s global popularity continues to grow, such items are likely to appreciate further, cementing Senna’s place as a cultural icon.