Ayrton Senna's personal 1991 Honda NSX, a car with deep ties to the legendary driver, is set to go under the hammer with an estimated value of over $1 million.
The automotive world is abuzz with the upcoming auction of a truly iconic vehicle: Ayrton Senna’s personal 1991 Honda NSX. This isn’t just any NSX; it’s a car that played a significant role in the development of one of Honda’s most celebrated sports cars and carried the legacy of one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers.
The red NSX, with its contrasting black roof, was provided to Senna by Honda for his personal use in Portugal. It’s not just a collectible car; it’s a piece of motorsport history that has been driven by one of the sport’s legends.
The auction, to be held by RM Sotheby’s in London on October 31, 2026, is expected to draw considerable attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The NSX and Senna: A Partnership in Innovation
Ayrton Senna’s involvement with the NSX went beyond mere endorsement.
He played a crucial role in its development, providing valuable feedback that shaped the final product. During testing, Senna found the chassis to be too fragile leading Honda to increase its stiffness by 50%. This modification, along with suspension refinements, significantly enhanced the NSX’s performance and handling.
The NSX, known as the Acura NSX in the United States, was Honda’s response to the supercars of the time from Ferrari and Porsche. Senna’s input helped create a vehicle that was not only high-performing but also reliable and livable—a rarity among supercars of the early ’90s. The NSX’s success can be partly attributed to Senna’s contributions, making this particular model even more special.
A Car with a Rich History
Chassis number T000233, as the NSX is identified, has a well-documented history. It was imported to Portugal, where Senna owned a home, and was registered on March 22, 1991. The car was a regular sight in Senna’s life, even being driven to the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril. It also made appearances in documentaries and famous photo shoots, including one where Senna is seen washing the car with a garden hose.
After Senna’s tragic passing in 1994, the NSX remained in Portugal before changing hands several times. It was later brought to the United Kingdom in 2013 and returned to Japan in 2026. In 2019, the car made a poignant visit to Imola, driven by former Minardi team principal Giancarlo Minardi to mark the 25th anniversary of Senna’s death.
The Auction: A Record in the Making
With its documented history, film appearances, and direct connection to Ayrton Senna, this NSX is poised to be one of the most desirable Honda models ever offered at public auction. RM Sotheby’s has estimated the car to sell for between £500,000 and £800,000, which translates to roughly CDN$950,000 and CDN$1,500,000. This puts it in contention for the highest price ever paid for an Acura NSX, with the current record being €934,375 (CDN$1.46 million) for a rare ’03 NSX-R.
The auction is not just about the car; it’s about the legacy of Ayrton Senna and his impact on the automotive world. The NSX is a testament to his influence, and its sale is an opportunity for collectors to own a piece of that legacy. As the auction date approaches, all eyes will be on London to see if this iconic car breaks records and finds a new home.
