McLaren MP4/6 Chassis to Go Under the Hammer
The iconic McLaren MP4/6 chassis that propelled Ayrton Senna to his first Brazilian Grand Prix victory is set for auction in December. This particular chassis, designated MP4/6-1, is a hallmark of Formula 1 history, capturing one of Senna’s most emotional wins in 1991 at the Interlagos circuit.
Senna’s victory was particularly significant as it came after ten attempts to secure the top podium position in front of his home crowd. Driving in challenging conditions, the two-time world champion managed to clinch the win despite grappling with a failing six-speed transmission. In the closing laps, Senna struggled to maintain pace, relying solely on the top gear of the gearbox and employing innovative techniques to navigate the track while managing extreme physical strain.
With Riccardo Patrese in pursuit, Senna’s adept use of brakes and clutch control allowed him to fend off the competition and finish 2.9 seconds ahead. This triumph added to Senna’s legacy, paving the way for subsequent victories and his third world championship title later that season.
After its racing career, chassis MP4/6-1 was preserved in the McLaren Heritage collection and has recently undergone restoration, with McLaren specialist Paul Lanzante Ltd ensuring it is in running order ahead of the auction. RM Sotheby’s estimates the car’s value at $12-$15 million, with bidding occurring from December 8 to 11.
