Debates will continually rage about who is the greatest F1 driver off them all. But for many, there is only one: Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian, many felt, had supernatural skills behind the wheel, the likes of which no other human possessed. Now, one lucky (and extremely wealthy) fan will be able to own a car that was driven to victory by the triple F1 champion. And not just any victory, a win at his home race at Interlagos. The 1991 McLaren MP4/6 is being offered by leading auction house RM Sotheby’s this December.
I only came back to reality when I saw the chequered flag. Then, it felt really good to be alive, to be at Interlagos, in my land, seeing my people so happy. It wasn’t the greatest win in my life, but it was the hardest-fought. By the finish I had nothing left. God gave me this race
– Ayrton Senna, triple F1 world champion
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Historic Machine
Senna had already won the world championship twice before claiming the crown in the 1991 season. However, a win at his home race eluded him. He’d attempted that feat seven times before the start of the 1991 race. He must’ve wondered if the F1 gods had conspired against him. But that all changed as the flag fell at 1991 race in Sao Paulo. In addition to late-race rain he had to deal with a car that was stuck in gear. As a result he had to drive the closing stages of the race using 6th gear only. Somehow, he held on to take the chequered flag with a three second margin. You can view highlights of the race at this link.
The MP4/6 is powered by a 3,5-litre, naturally aspirated Honda V12 that revs to a screaming 13 800 r/min. As a result it produces about 540 kW. A six-speed manual gearbox is a stressed member of the carbon fibre monocoque. Lastly, it is clothed with carbon fibre bodywork painted in that iconic red and white livery, which fans still rate as one of the best to ever cover an F1 car.
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Super Fan
The car, which was owned by McLaren for thirty years, was sold to a private owner in 2020. That owner is now offering the car for sale. Aside from the historic win in Brazil, the 1991 McLaren MP4/6 is also the final V12-powered, manual gearbox model to win a Formula 1 World Championship. It will be delivered in running order, so you can also emulate your driving hero, should you choose. In addition, the sale includes all necessary starting equipment: external starter, water tower, remote dash, fuel primer, and engine pre-heater. It is expected to fetch between $12 000 000 and $15 000 000 (we’re too scared to even do the calculation against the ZAR forex rate).
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