Rare Opportunity! Ayrton Senna's Mercedes Cosworth Now Up for Auction

VIVA – A legendary piece of automotive history, once owned by Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna, is now gearing up to hit the auction block. This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 will be auctioned off by RM Sotheby's on November 1, 2025, in London.

For racing enthusiasts and car collectors, this vehicle is more than just a car – it's a testament to one of the world's greatest drivers.

A Brief Look at the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 and Its Connection to Ayrton Senna

The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 is known as the high-performance variant of the standard 190E sedan. The 2.3-liter 16-valve engine was developed in conjunction with Cosworth, a renowned British technical company known for its innovative racing engines. This car was launched as a compact sports sedan with impressive performance, making it a favorite among racing fans and sports car enthusiasts in the 1980s.

Ayrton Senna purchased this car brand new in 1985 while living in England, after winning the Race of Champions at the Nurburgring in 1984, where he defeated several top F1 drivers. Senna used this 190E as his daily driver, covering around 25,000 miles before selling it when he moved to Monaco to join the McLaren team.

The car features the original smoke silver metallic paint and classic black leather interior, maintaining its originality and character as owned by Senna. After being sold, the car has remained in Australia for over two decades before being auctioned off for the first time since Senna's ownership.

- Engine: 2.3-liter 16-valve, a collaboration with Cosworth

- Power: Approximately 185-195 horsepower, sufficient for a compact sedan from the 1980s

- Transmission: 5-speed manual, delivering a classic sports driving experience

- Weight: 1,200 kg, offering a balance between performance and control

- Interior: Original black leather, preserving the collectible's authenticity

- Exterior: Smoke Silver Metallic, the highly preserved original paint job

This car is more than just a vintage vehicle – it's a symbol of the golden era of F1 and Senna's lifestyle beyond the track.

Auction Estimate and Value

RM Sotheby's estimates the auction price of this car to be between £220,000 and £250,000 (approximately Rp 4,7 billion to Rp 5,4 billion). This price reflects the car's historical value, rarity, and direct connection to Ayrton Senna, making it a sought-after collector's item and F1 fan attraction worldwide.