Unleash the Spirit of a Legend: Own Senna's Last Roar

The Unlikely Survival of a Racing Icon

Next month presents an extraordinary chance for motorsport aficionados to acquire a piece of Formula 1 heritage that, by all accounts, should not have endured. Bonhams is set to auction the final V-10 engine ever raced by the legendary Ayrton Senna. This powerhouse, which propelled his McLaren Honda MP4/5B, comes deconstructed and elegantly displayed, offering a collector's dream.

A Glimpse into Senna's Dominance on the Track

The formidable 3.5-liter V-10 RA100E-V805 engine propelled Senna to pole position at Japan's Suzuka Circuit during the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix, an event famously remembered for his collision with rival Alain Prost on the opening lap. Senna continued to campaign with this very engine a few weeks later at the Australian Grand Prix in early November, although he was unable to complete the full race distance, finishing 61 of the 80 laps.

From Disassembly to Display: A Preserved Legacy

Typically, after a racing season concludes, Honda would dismantle, analyze, and ultimately dispose of its engines. However, 1990 marked Honda's final year utilizing the V-10 configuration, as development for the forthcoming V-12 was already in progress. This fortuitous timing meant there was no operational imperative to strip down Senna's last V-10, thereby preserving it in its original competition-ready state.

Honda Racing Corporation's New Heritage Initiative

In a groundbreaking move, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has undertaken the careful disassembly of this historic engine. Each acquisition will be accompanied by an official certificate confirming its authenticity. This sale inaugurates HRC's new memorabilia business, an endeavor designed to empower dedicated motorsport enthusiasts globally with the chance to possess tangible pieces of genuine racing heritage, including valuable machines, engines, and their individual components.

A Historic Auction: The First of Many Opportunities

Senna's final V-10 engine represents the first offering from this exciting new initiative, with HRC indicating plans to expand this unique business in the future. The lot will be sold without a reserve price, ensuring broad accessibility for eager collectors. The highly anticipated auction is scheduled for August 15th at The Quail, a premier event during the prestigious Monterey Car Week.