Here’s Your Chance To Buy an ’80s Icon Owned By an F1 Legend

Here’s your chance to buy one of the most beloved sports sedans of the 1980s, which was once owned by a Formula 1 icon. It’s the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-1.6 that belonged to legendary driver Ayrton Senna, which is the star of an upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction in London in November. The car has an estimated value of €255,000 to €290,000 ($296,346 to $337,021 at today’s exchange rate).   

And it’s not just “any” 190. This is Senna’s personal car, purchased by the Brazilian champion in 1985, immediately after his resounding success at the Nürburgring at the Race of Champions, one of the races that marked the beginning of his legendary racing career.

The Victory That Changed Everything

On May 12, 1984, the young Senna, then making his Formula 1 debut in a Toleman, was invited by Mercedes to participate in a celebratory race to mark the opening of the new Nürburgring GP-Strecke circuit. At the start were 20 of the biggest names in motorsport at the time, including Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, and Carlos Reutemann. All were racing in the new 190 E 2.3-16, prepared in race configuration.

In rainy conditions, Senna stunned the world: starting third, he beat Lauda and Prost, bringing his Smoke Silver Metallic-colored car to the finish line ahead of a grid of established champions. It was on that occasion that the Brazilian decided he wanted to own a 190 of his own.

Photo by: RM Sotheby’s

Senna’s Mercedes 190

Senna ordered this Mercedes directly from the factory in 1985. He picked it up in Stuttgart with compatriot Mauricio Gugelmin, driving it to his residence in Esher, England. The car, with Smoke Silver Metallic paint and black leather interior, has its original documentation, certifying Senna’s purchase. It comes with the factory invoice, registration papers, and tax receipts in his name. 

Senna drove it for two years, accumulating just under 28,000 miles, before selling it in 1987 in anticipation of moving to Monaco and joining McLaren. In subsequent years, the 190 changed hands a few times, including with the current owner, who purchased it in 1996 and relocated to Australia with it in 2004.

Today, the car has just under 155,343 miles and retains several unique details, such as Niki Lauda’s signature affixed to the engine compartment at the 2016 Australian Grand Prix. Still included are the tool kit, the Becker Mexico stereo, the original fire extinguisher, and even the never-opened first aid kit.

Photo by: RM Sotheby’s

Photo by: RM Sotheby’s

For fans and collectors, therefore, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to have not just a Mercedes, but an authentic piece of Senna’s history in your garage.