Courtesy RM Sotheby’s
A 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 with extraordinary provenance—originally purchased new by Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna—sold for £230,000 GBP at RM Sotheby’s London auction on 1 November 2025. More than a collector car, this is a living piece of motorsport history.
Born from Victory: Senna and the 1984 Nürburgring Race of Champions
In May 1984, the Nürburgring unveiled its revamped Grand Prix circuit with a star-studded Race of Champions. Organized with the help of Niki Lauda, the grid featured nine former F1 World Champions and several rising stars, including Alain Prost and a young Ayrton Senna.
Driving a lightly race-prepared Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 finished in Smoke Silver Metallic, Senna stunned the field. He qualified third and went on to claim victory in the rain-soaked 12-lap race—holding off Lauda himself. This triumph ignited Senna’s desire to own the car personally.
The Car Senna Ordered New—Collected from the Factory
The example offered by RM Sotheby’s is the very car Senna ordered at a discount and collected directly from the Mercedes-Benz factory in October 1985. He drove it home to Esher, Surrey, accompanied by compatriot Maurício Gugelmin.
Key details include:
- Factory-correct Smoke Silver Metallic exterior
- Black leather interior
- Copies of factory purchase invoice, V5, and UK import tax slip—all in Senna’s name
- Numerous factory-selected options
Senna owned the car until 1987, accruing approximately 24,862 miles before reluctantly parting with it ahead of his expected move to Monaco.
A Well-Preserved Icon That Journeyed to Australia
The car changed hands in 1996, eventually moving with its owner to Australia in 2004. While the air-conditioning system was disabled to meet import regulations, it remains restorable. Maintenance files are extensive, including service invoices dating back to Senna’s ownership.
In 2016, during the Australian Grand Prix, Niki Lauda signed the engine bay, adding another layer of significance to an already historic vehicle.
A Complete Package with Unrivalled Provenance
The 190 E 2.3-16 is accompanied by:
- Original books and manuals
- Becker Mexico stereo
- Factory fire extinguisher
- Tool kit and trickle charger
- Unopened first aid kit
- Factory-approved alarm and immobiliser system
For collectors, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a car with unmatched historical importance and a direct, documented link to Ayrton Senna—one of motorsport’s greatest icons.
