Full speed ahead: Ayrton Senna's McLaren could race to $80,900 tomorrow
Tomorrow, Saturday August 13, will see an extraordinary piece of racing memorabilia go under the hammer. Uniquely though, it has been converted into a valuable artwork.

The name 'Ayrton Senna' is one of a few from racing that have transcended the sport to become famous around the world. The Brazilian superstar is regarded as a hero and a saint in his homeland, and as one of the all time greats everywhere.

His tragic death in 1994 on the racetrack is only too well remembered.

Auctioneer Coys is now offering Senna's McLaren MP4/6 from his last season as champion. The car is not as it was when Senna used it, however, but has been transformed into a sculpture.

Ayrton Senna driving a McLaren MP4 at a Grand Prix

The car's body has been separated from some of its crucial parts and has been displayed as a kind of 'Airfix kit' on an upright board.

The design chimes with Senna's own interest in model vehicles. He was known to fly a radio-controlled helicopter at race meetings.

Senna was of course the subject of a 2010 film based on archive footage, which has no doubt revitalised interest in the star. Critics noted that even those who watched it with no interest in racing were carried along by the story.

Lewis driving one of Ayrton Senna's McLarens

The art work was created by Jay Burridge in 1992, and Coys expect it to achieve £30000-£50000 ($80,900) in the sale which takes place at Nurburbring, Germany.

Collectors on the lookout for F1 memorabilia will be pleased to know that signatures for Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher are all currently available.

 

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