Ayrton Senna’s NSX deserves to find a proper, long-term home.

      Senna.com via AutoTrader UK

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      For many enthusiasts, Ayrton Senna is regarded as the greatest driver to ever race in Formula 1. His talent for maximizing any vehicle's performance solidified his legendary status, but his impact transcends the racetrack. Senna is among the few drivers who played a role in the creation of a road car—the Acura NSX. While his personal NSX may appear to be everything a Senna superfan could hope for, those with the means to acquire this significant piece of F1 history seem to overlook its true importance.

      The red Honda NSX (known as the supercar outside the United States) that Senna drove in Europe was listed for sale in April 2024 at a price of $623,000. Now, just two years later, it is being offered for sale again. The NSX will be featured in an RM Sotheby’s auction in London on October 31, with expected bids ranging from 500,000 to 800,000 British pounds, which translates to about $665,000 to $1 million based on current exchange rates. It appears that the current owner made a prudent investment, but Senna’s NSX is more than just a valuable asset.

      Before McLaren produced its own supercars for drivers, the team relied on Honda's powertrains. Unlike today, Honda's engines were dominant in the 1980s, leading Senna to forge a strong relationship with the Japanese manufacturer. He had the chance to test an NSX development prototype and remarked that the chassis was "a little fragile," prompting engineers to reinforce it by 50% and modify the suspension, as noted in the auction listing. Thus, Senna played a small but significant role in shaping what many consider one of the finest driver’s cars ever made.

      Honda actually gifted Senna three different cars—two in black and this 1991 left-hand-drive model in red. It was reportedly kept in Portugal from new for the three-time champion's occasional use. There's reason to believe Senna drove it frequently. When he wasn’t in Brazil, he spent significant time in Portugal, a short flight from McLaren’s base in the U.K. This was also the era when Estoril was a hub for F1 testing and racing.

      The vehicle remained in Portugal following Senna's death in 1994, changing ownership a few times before being purchased by a U.K. owner in 2013. That owner put it on the market again in 2024 with 39,100 miles on the odometer. RM Sotheby’s does not specify how many miles have been added since the current owner acquired it that same year, but it is known that this owner had it sent to Japan. Its current condition remains uncertain, but it likely hasn't been fully restored, which may be advantageous. The more original the car is, the closer the connection to Senna.

      Any fan of Senna would treasure the chance to own this vehicle, but it seems to be changing hands like many other investment-grade classic cars. It deserves a committed owner who truly values its legacy.

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