This Mercedes Cosworth was Ayrton Senna's everyday vehicle; it could now belong to you. | Carscoops

      A 1985 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 with a connection to F1 champion Ayrton Senna is being auctioned by RM Sotheby’s, with an estimated value exceeding $300,000.

      Senna purchased the 190 new and drove it for 25,000 miles after being impressed by the model during the 1984 Race of Champions.

      The 190E 2.3-16 is considered Mercedes' version of the original BMW M3, although today, their prices are significantly lower; a typical example might cost around $30,000. However, this particular model commands ten times that amount due to its link with Senna, who many regard as the greatest F1 driver ever.

      This Smoke Silver sedan was originally bought by the Brazilian racing icon in 1985 while he was residing in the UK. His admiration for the sporty compact developed after he had the chance to race one during the celebrated Race of Champions at the inaugural Nurburgring in 1984, when he was still on the rise in his career.

      In a challenging race against several prominent F1 figures, all driving 190E 2.3-16s, Senna secured first place despite the poor weather, giving his competitors a preview of the success he would achieve in grand prix racing until his tragic death at Monza a decade later.

      Senna, who had no ties to Mercedes at that time, chose to buy the 190 with his own money, personally collecting it from the Mercedes factory and driving it back to his home south of London. He drove approximately 25,000 miles (40,000 km) in the right-hand drive vehicle before eventually selling it, a decision he made reluctantly as he prepared to relocate to Monaco after joining McLaren, according to auctioneer RM Sotheby’s.

      The Mercedes has since accumulated 154,302 miles (248,325 km) and now resides in Australia. The current owner, who purchased it in 1996, brought it over when he moved in 2004. Despite the additional mileage, the car remains in good condition, both inside and out, and comes with its original documentation, fire extinguisher, Becker Mexico stereo, tool kit, trickle charger, and unopened first aid kit.

      It still has its original 2.3-liter, Cosworth-engineered inline four-cylinder engine, producing 185 hp (188 PS) in European specifications, paired with a mandatory dogleg five-speed manual gearbox.

      Additionally, the car includes the original registration document naming Senna as the owner, along with Nikki Lauda’s signature in the engine bay, a detail added in 2016 during the Australian Grand Prix. However, it might have been more fitting for Lauda to sign the trunk lid, as that was all he saw of Senna’s 190 during the Race of Champions that ignited Senna’s passion for the car.

      This historic 190E, once driven hard by Senna on the roads of Surrey, now bears a price tag worthy of a champion’s collection, with RM Sotheby’s estimating it at £220,000–£250,000 (approximately $275,000–$310,000). Interested in owning a piece of F1 history? Check out the listing here.