One to Buy: ex-Ayrton Senna 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16
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Although the Mercedes-Benz 190 E went on to achieve great things in DTM during its twilight years, perhaps the most famous event contested by the model was a one-off twelve lap race around the brand new Nurburgring Grand Prix course which took place during May 1984 in support of that weekend’s German Grand Prix.
Taking place some four months before production of the formidable 190 E 2.3-16 began, Mercedes convinced an astonishing field of big name current and former drivers to take part in lightly modified versions of the new car.
Qualifying saw Alain Prost on pole with Carlos Reutemann, Ayrton Senna, Denny Hulme and Alan Jones rounding out the top five. In the race, Senna moved up to second and then forced Prost off track half way round the opening lap. The Brazilian took a lead he would not relinquish.
Following his victory at the Nurburgring, Senna was able to purchase a 190 E 2.3-16 with a considerable discount and on November 1st that car, chassis WDB2010342F152752, will be going under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s London auction.
Senna collected the Smoke Silver Metallic car direct from the factory in October 1985 and it was subsequently registered C992 JGH on November 15th. The Brazilian ace retained ‘152752’ for two years, racking up a little under 25,000 miles. It was then sold following Senna’s big money deal to drive for McLaren which resulted in him moving to Monaco.
Chassis ‘152752’ is being offered complete with its original book pack along with the original factory sales invoice and UK registration document that list Senna as the car’s first owner.
