Electric Cars

A truly exceptional piece of automotive history, a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-1.6 formerly owned by the revered Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna, is slated for an upcoming auction by RM Sotheby's in London. This celebrated sports sedan, which served as Senna's personal vehicle, is anticipated to fetch bids well over $300,000, underscoring its immense value beyond mere mileage. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this car is not just a vintage automobile; it represents a tangible connection to Senna's illustrious career and an iconic period in motorsport.

The significance of this Mercedes-Benz stems from its direct association with Senna during a pivotal moment in his nascent career. Acquired by the Brazilian maestro following his commanding victory at the 1984 Nürburgring Race of Champions, the car symbolizes his emergence as a dominant force in Formula 1. Its journey from Senna's ownership through various custodians to its present status as a highly sought-after collectible highlights its enduring appeal and historical importance. Despite its extensive use, its provenance and the unique details it retains make it an unparalleled offering, promising to captivate bidders looking for a piece of authentic racing heritage.

The Genesis of an Automotive Legend

The story of this particular Mercedes-Benz 190 E is deeply intertwined with Ayrton Senna's breakthrough moment in motor racing. In May 1984, an invitation from Mercedes-Benz saw a then-rookie Senna, driving for Toleman in F1, participate in a special race inaugurating the Nürburgring GP-Strecke circuit. This event brought together an elite group of motorsport’s biggest names, including Niki Lauda and Alain Prost, all competing in identical 190 E 2.3-16 models specially prepared for racing. Despite challenging wet conditions, Senna, starting from third position, delivered a masterful performance, overtaking seasoned champions to claim a stunning victory. This triumph not only showcased his extraordinary talent but also ignited his desire to own a Mercedes 190, a testament to the car's performance and his affinity for it.

Senna's victory at the Nürburgring was a defining moment, solidifying his reputation as a future icon of Formula 1. The sheer dominance he displayed against a field of established legends underscored his unparalleled skill and strategic prowess. It was immediately after this remarkable display that Senna, deeply impressed by the vehicle's capabilities and his personal connection to its success, decided to acquire one for his own use. This personal connection imbues the car with an unmatched historical significance, making it far more than just a classic sedan. It stands as a powerful symbol of a legend's rise and his early triumphs.

Senna's Personal Mercedes-Benz 190: A Collector's Dream

Ayrton Senna's acquisition of this Mercedes-Benz 190 E in 1985 directly from the factory in Stuttgart marked a significant personal purchase for the racing star. He personally drove the car back to his residence in Esher, England, accompanied by fellow Brazilian driver Mauricio Gugelmin. This particular model, finished in an elegant Smoke Silver Metallic paint with a black leather interior, comes with comprehensive original documentation that verifies Senna's ownership, including the factory invoice, registration papers, and tax receipts. Over the two years he owned it, Senna drove the car for nearly 28,000 miles before selling it in 1987 as he prepared for a move to Monaco and his highly anticipated career shift to McLaren. The car's journey continued through several owners, eventually arriving in Australia in 2004 with its current custodian.

Today, the car boasts just under 155,343 miles on the odometer, yet it remains remarkably well-preserved, retaining numerous original features and unique historical elements. Among these is a signature by Niki Lauda, subtly placed in the engine compartment during the 2016 Australian Grand Prix, adding another layer of motorsport lore. The vehicle still includes its original toolkit, the period-correct Becker Mexico stereo, and an unused first aid kit, testifying to its authenticity and meticulous care. For dedicated fans and discerning collectors, this presents an unparalleled chance to acquire not just a Mercedes-Benz from the 1980s, but a genuine artifact imbued with the personal touch and racing spirit of one of Formula 1’s greatest legends. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Senna's personal history, a tangible link to his life away from the demanding circuits.

Porsche has made a significant strategic shift regarding its electric vehicle initiatives, discontinuing its plans for large-scale in-house battery production and re-tasking its Cellforce division to focus solely on research and development. This change in direction is a direct consequence of a noticeable slowdown in the global demand for electric vehicles, particularly evident in crucial markets such as China and the United States. This decision, while a pragmatic response to market realities, carries a human cost, as it is expected to result in approximately 200 job reductions in Germany.

For automotive enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate traditional combustion engines, this move by Porsche offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the era of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, even if hybridized, may persist longer than previously anticipated. Despite Porsche's commendable sales figures for electric vehicles in Europe, where electrified models accounted for 57% of sales in the first half of 2025, the company's CEO, Oliver Blume, highlighted a considerable disparity in EV adoption rates in the U.S. and Chinese markets. This discrepancy underscores a broader market reality: the transition to electric vehicles is not uniform across all regions.

While the immediate impact includes job losses at Cellforce’s Kirchentellinsfurt facility, Porsche has affirmed its commitment to managing these transitions responsibly, with potential opportunities for some affected employees within Volkswagen’s PowerCo. This strategic recalibration, however, underscores the volatility and evolving landscape of the electric vehicle market. Despite abandoning full-scale battery manufacturing, Porsche is not abandoning its electric future. Successful models like the Taycan and the new Macan EV continue to perform well, and future electric offerings, including an electric Cayenne and a 718-based sports car, are still on the horizon. The focus will now be on advanced battery technology development, indicating that while Porsche remains dedicated to electrification, the path to widespread EV adoption is proving to be more intricate than initially envisioned.

This decisive action by Porsche illustrates the dynamic nature of the automotive industry's shift towards electrification, emphasizing that adaptation to market signals and technological advancements is crucial for sustainable progress. It reminds us that innovation and responsible business practices must go hand in hand, ensuring that even amidst challenging transitions, a forward-looking vision for a cleaner, more efficient future is maintained.