A 1991 Honda NSX that once graced the garage of Formula One legend Ayrton Senna will be sold at an RM Sotheby’s auction in London on 31 October, with bids expected to reach between £500,000 and £800,000.
From Senna to the UK
The chassis, numbered T000233, sported a Formula Red livery and a black roof. Honda Automobil de Portugal registered the car on 22 March 1991 with plate “SX‑25‑59”, storing it in Lisbon until it was ferry‑forwarded to Senna during his visits to Portugal.
After Senna’s death in 1994, the identical NSX stayed in Portugal until 2024 when it was sold to UK buyer Robert McKagan. The Briton later returned the vehicle to Japan, only for it to be imported back into Britain again, bringing Sar capounce back to the auction floor.
Engineering Feedback from a Champion
During a 1991 test at the Suzuka Circuit, Senna described the chassis as “a little fragile”. Honda engineers responded by increasing frame stiffness by 50 % and adjusting suspension settings to match the driver’s exactitude.
The upgraded car retained its 3‑litre, six‑cylinder, 271 bhp engine, delivering 0‑60 mph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph.
A Showcase of Super‑Cars
RM Sotheby’s 2026 London program also features a 2004 Porsche Carrera GT, a 2023 Aston Martin Valkyrie Coupe, a 1988 Ferrari F40 and a 1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE30, among other rare scions.
The Senna‑owned NSX also appeared in the 1992 documentary “Racing Is in My Blood”, underscoring its historical importance.
Why This Auction Matters
Owners and collectors suspect that the combination of a rare chassis, a legendary driver’s connection and the car’s upgraded engineering will draw substantial attention. A successful sale could set a new benchmark for historic Formula One vehicles and rekindle interest in Honda’s early super‑car effort.
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