Senna's debut season car for sale

The car driven by racing great Ayrton Senna in his first Formula One race is to be sold at auction.

The Toleman TG184-2 car driven by the three-time world champion during his debut season in 1984, will be sold by Silverstone Auctions in May.

The car, which is being sold by a private owner, is expected to sell for more than £750,000 (€896,000).

The Toleman, which Senna raced to third in the British Grand Prix held at Brands Hatch and seventh in the Canadian Grand Prix, is best known for the Brazilian’s second place drive in the rain-soaked Monaco Grand Prix that season.

A helmet and race suit used by Senna, who was killed in a crash while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, fetched £74,750 and £35,650 respectively earlier this year, both considerably more than their pre-sale estimates.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “We are thrilled to bring this iconic race car to auction as it’s undoubtedly one of the most important lots we’ve ever offered under the hammer.

“Senna mania is reaching fever pitch and rightly so as he’s considered by many as the greatest F1 driver we’ve ever seen. It goes without saying that this will be one of the star attractions at the sale as it’s a very rare chance to own a much sought after piece of motorsport and Ayrton Senna history.”

The car will be sold at Silverstone Auctions’ spring sale on May 16.

It will be joined by a range of other race cars, modern sports cars, motorcycles and automobilia including a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, estimated at between £190,000 to £210,000.