Ayrton Senna's 1991 Honda NSX to be Auctioned in London
A rare 1991 Honda NSX, once part of the personal collection of the celebrated three-time Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna, is slated to be auctioned in London on October 31st. This exceptional vehicle is expected to command a price ranging from £500,000 to £800,000, highlighting its historical significance and its association with one of motorsport's greatest figures. Senna’s direct involvement in the car's development, including rigorous testing and critical feedback, adds immense value and intrigue to this particular NSX.
The car in question, chassis T000233, is finished in a distinctive Formula Red with a contrasting black roof—a signature aesthetic for the model. It was one of three NSX models specifically allocated to the Brazilian racing icon. Under its hood, the supercar houses a potent six-cylinder, three-liter engine that delivers 271bhp. This powertrain enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.8 seconds and achieve an impressive top speed of 165 mph, performance figures that were groundbreaking for its era.
According to the official auction listing from RM Sotheby's, this particular NSX was imported by Honda Automobil de Portugal and officially registered on March 22, 1991, bearing the number “SX-25-59.” The car was kept in Lisbon and made available to Senna whenever he visited the country, indicating its role as his personal transport during his time there. This detail underscores the deep personal connection Senna had with the vehicle, using it not just as a testbed but as a regular part of his life.
Following Senna's tragic accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, the NSX remained in Portugal. It was eventually sold to Robert McKagan, who brought the vehicle to the United Kingdom. In 2024, the car was sold again, returning to Japan with its new owners before being re-imported to the UK, where it is now being offered for sale once more. Its journey across continents and owners since Senna's passing further contributes to its rich narrative and collectible status.
Senna's contributions to the NSX's development were crucial. Honda's ambition was to create a supercar that could challenge established rivals such as Ferrari and Porsche. Senna famously put the NSX through its paces at the Suzuka Circuit, a track he knew intimately from his Formula 1 career. His precise feedback, particularly his observation that the chassis felt "a little fragile," led Honda to significantly enhance the car's structural rigidity by 50% and refine its suspension tuning. This direct input from a master driver helped hone the NSX into the high-performance machine it became, solidifying its reputation for exceptional handling and balance. The iconic supercar also made an appearance in the 1992 documentary "Racing Is in My Blood," cementing its place in motorsport history.
This auction, titled "The London Auction 2026" by RM Sotheby's, will also feature other highly coveted vehicles. Among them are a 2004 Porsche Carrera GT, a 2023 Aston Martin Valkyrie Coupe, a 1988 Ferrari F40, and a 1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE30, showcasing a diverse collection of some of the world's most desirable automobiles. The inclusion of Senna's NSX among such an elite lineup underscores its unique appeal and historical significance.
The upcoming auction of Ayrton Senna's 1991 Honda NSX represents a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of automotive and motorsport history. This specific car not only embodies the engineering prowess of Honda but also carries the indelible legacy of one of Formula 1's most revered drivers, whose personal touch and critical insights were instrumental in shaping its legendary performance.