Ayrton Senna's helmet was sold at auction for $670,000
The racing helmet of three-time Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna, which he wore when he won the 1992 Hungarian Grand Prix, was sold at a Budds auction for $670,000.
The helmet, a Shoei model, was used by the legendary Brazilian driver during three races of the 1992 season—the British, German, and Hungarian Grands Prix. It was at the Hungarian Grand Prix that Senna claimed one of his final victories in his Formula 1 career.
The item is preserved in nearly original condition. The helmet still bears its factory and certification markings, as well as characteristic signs of racing—scuffs and chips from stones. The artifact’s authenticity has been confirmed by an official McLaren certificate and detailed photographic analysis.
Although the McLaren team trailed Williams during the 1992 season, Ayrton Senna, behind the wheel of the Honda-powered MP4/7A, managed to secure several spectacular victories.
This very same helmet was also worn during the German Grand Prix, where Michael Schumacher and Nigel Mansell joined Senna on the podium.
Memorabilia associated with Ayrton Senna remains extremely popular among collectors. Last year, his Mercedes-Benz 190 E sold for $308,000, and the Honda V10 engine he used in his final Formula 1 race went under the hammer for more than $250,000.
This was reported by Autoblog.
As a reminder, in the United Kingdom, Sotheby’s auction house will put up for sale letters, books, and manuscripts detailing the little-known friendship between writer J. R. R. Tolkien and his deaf admirer, Eileen Elgar.
