Someone should truly find a suitable long-term home for Ayrton Senna's NSX.

      Senna.com via AutoTrader UK

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      For many enthusiasts, Ayrton Senna is regarded as the greatest driver to ever compete in Formula 1. His talent for maximizing the performance of any car made him a legendary figure, and his influence goes beyond the racetrack. Senna is among the few drivers who played a role in the development of a production car—the Acura NSX. While his personal NSX may appear to be the perfect acquisition for any Senna superfan, potential buyers of this significant piece of F1 history don’t seem to fully recognize its value.

      The red Honda NSX (the model's badge outside the U.S.) that Senna owned in Europe was put up for sale in April 2024 with an asking price of $623,000. Just two years later, it is once again available for purchase. The NSX will be featured in an RM Sotheby’s auction in London on October 31, with an anticipated selling price between 500,000 and 800,000 British pounds, roughly translating to $665,000 to $1 million based on current exchange rates. It appears that the current owner made a wise investment, but Senna’s NSX should ultimately be valued as more than just a financial asset.

      Before McLaren developed its own supercars for its drivers, the team utilized Honda engines. In sharp contrast to the present, Honda’s engines were dominant in the 1980s, leading Senna to develop a close partnership with the Japanese manufacturer. He had the chance to test an NSX development prototype and described the chassis as “a little fragile,” prompting engineers to strengthen it by 50% and modify the suspension, as stated in the auction listing. Therefore, Senna had a minor but authentic role in refining what many consider one of the best driver’s cars ever.

      Honda actually presented Senna with three vehicles—two in black and this 1991 left-hand-drive model in red. It is said to have been kept in Portugal from new for the three-time champion's use. There is reason to believe that Senna driven it frequently. When not in Brazil, he mainly resided in Portugal, which is a quick flight from McLaren’s U.K. headquarters. This was also a time when Estoril hosted a significant amount of F1 testing and racing.

      The car remained in Portugal following Senna’s passing in 1994, changing hands several times before being sold to a U.K. owner in 2013. That owner put it up for sale in 2024, stating it had 39,100 miles on the odometer. RM Sotheby’s does not specify how much mileage has been added since this owner acquired it, but it is known that the car was shipped to Japan. Its condition is also uncertain, but it likely has never undergone a full restoration, which may be for the best. The more original it remains, the stronger the connection to Senna.

      Any fan of Senna would treasure the chance to own this vehicle, but it is just being flipped like many other investment-worthy classics. It truly deserves a long-term owner who genuinely appreciates its significance.

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