This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 has a story unlike any other. It was purchased new by the legendary Ayrton Senna. He drove it home from the factory himself. This car is a direct link to one of the greatest drivers in history. Senna was inspired to buy this car after his famous victory. He won the 1984 Nürburgring Race of Champions. In that race, he drove a similar car. His victory cemented his place among racing legends. The car’s factory-correct Smoke Silver Metallic paint and black leather interior look fantastic. This car truly is a piece of history.
The Nürburgring Race of Champions
Back in 1984, Mercedes-Benz celebrated the new Nürburgring circuit. They invited 20 of the world’s best drivers to race. They all drove identical 190 E 2.3-16 cars. The field was stacked with famous names. Nine former Formula 1 World Champions were there. This included Niki Lauda, who helped organize the race. A young rookie named Ayrton Senna also participated. Many observers overlooked Senna at the time. He had only competed in four F1 races. Yet, he surprised everyone with his speed. He qualified in third place.
Senna’s Unforgettable Victory
The race was held in the rain. Senna’s incredible skill shone through. He showed amazing car control. He took the lead and held off his rivals. He was a force to be reckoned with. He beat Niki Lauda to the finish line. His victory at the Nürburgring put him on the world stage. It showed everyone that he was a future champion. Senna’s win inspired him to buy a 190 E 2.3-16 for himself. He drove it back to his home in England. He drove with fellow driver Maurício Gugelmin.
A Legend’s Personal Ride
Senna owned this car for two years. He drove it for almost 25,000 miles. He reluctantly sold it in 1987. This was because he moved to Monaco to race for McLaren. The car was well-loved and maintained. Extensive service records date back to his ownership. It is amazing to see the documentation. The original purchase invoice is included. The tax import slip and previous V5 are also on file. They all show Senna’s name. This provides incredible proof of the car’s provenance. The car’s engine bay was signed by Niki Lauda. This happened at the 2016 Australian Grand Prix.
Engine and Performance Details
The 190 E 2.3-16 was an impressive car. Its 2.3-liter engine was developed with Cosworth. The 16-valve engine was quite powerful for its time. It had a four-cylinder motor. The performance was a huge step up from the base model. This gave the car a sporty feel. The suspension was revised and lowered. Four-piston brakes were on the front. It had a dogleg manual transmission. This made the car a joy to drive. It also had a limited-slip differential. This provided better handling. Senna’s personal car was a factory model. It offered a great driving experience. It was a perfect car for a racing legend.
A Unique Piece of History
The current owner bought the car in 1996. They have cherished it for almost three decades. They even took it with them when they moved to Australia. The car has been carefully maintained. Many invoices and receipts are on file. It’s a testament to the owner’s care. It’s equipped with a self-closing car alarm. It also has an immobilizer. The car comes with its original toolkit and manuals. The fire extinguisher and first aid kit are included. A Becker Mexico stereo is in the car as well. This car is an incredible piece of history. It is a must-have for any F1 fan. It has an estimated price of up to £250,000 GBP.
Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only. The accuracy of the details and specifications mentioned in this article cannot be guaranteed. Prospective buyers are encouraged to conduct their own independent verification.
