Ayrton Senna's Iconic 1991 Brazilian GP-Winning McLaren Up for Multi-Million Dollar Auction

The McLaren-Honda MP4/6, chassis #1, driven by Ayrton Senna to his emotionally charged first Brazilian Grand Prix victory in 1991, is set to go under the hammer. This legendary machine, which Senna famously wrestled to the finish line despite a failing gearbox, is expected to fetch up to $15 million USD at auction, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Formula 1 history.

Why it matters:

This specific car represents one of the most iconic moments in Formula 1 history: Ayrton Senna's triumphant, yet utterly exhausting, first victory at his home Grand Prix. Beyond the sheer historical value, the MP4/6 holds the distinction of being the only V12-powered car to win both the F1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, and the last with a manual gearbox to do so. Its sale highlights the enduring allure and investment potential of F1's most legendary machinery.

The Details:

• Historic Victory: In the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, Senna, desperate for a home win, battled a failing gearbox that left him stuck in sixth gear during the closing laps. Against all odds, and with immense physical effort, he guided the MP4/6 to victory, a moment etched into F1 folklore.
• Championship Pedigree: Chassis #1 was instrumental in Senna's third World Championship season. It was driven by both Senna and his teammate Gerhard Berger during pre-season testing and played a crucial role in securing the Constructors' title for McLaren.
• Technological Significance: The McLaren-Honda MP4/6 stands as a unique milestone in F1 engineering. It's the sole V12-powered car to claim both major championships and the last F1 car equipped with a manual gearbox to achieve such success before the widespread adoption of semi-automatic transmissions.
• Auction Expectations: RM Sotheby's is handling the sale, with estimates suggesting the car could command a price of up to $15 million USD (or G A P 11.5 million GBP). While a substantial sum, it's not expected to surpass the record set by Juan Manuel Fangio's Mercedes W196, which sold for G A P 42.75 million.
• Private Ownership: The car has been in private hands since 2020, with the current owner now looking to capitalize on its significant value.

The Big Picture:

The sale of Senna's MP4/6 underscores the booming market for classic F1 cars, particularly those with a direct link to legendary drivers and iconic races. These machines are more than just vehicles; they are tangible pieces of sporting heritage, representing eras of technological innovation, human daring, and unforgettable drama on track. Their value continues to appreciate as new generations discover the rich history of Formula 1.

What's next:

The auction provides a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire a profoundly significant piece of motorsport history. The sale of such a high-profile car will undoubtedly draw considerable attention and could set new benchmarks for F1 memorabilia, reinforcing the financial and cultural value of the sport's most legendary artifacts.