The 1991 McLaren MP4/6, pushed by Method 1 legend Ayrton Senna to assert his first dwelling race victory, is about for public sale at RM Sotheby’s, with an estimated value of $12million-$15million.
The Brazilian driver examined the primary MP4/6 chassis in February 1991 and went on to win his remaining drivers’ championship with McLaren in the identical automobile.
“Within the closing laps I simply needed to go away the automobile in prime gear,” the Brazilian racer defined after claiming his first dwelling race victory within the MP4/6. “The rain didn’t assist me, and I used to be actually hoping they’d cease the race. Within the sluggish corners I used to be pulling solely 2000 rpm and the engine was practically stalling.
“Within the quick corners the automobile all the time needed to push straight on. I noticed Patrese coming and didn’t assume I might make it, however I felt it was my obligation to win right here. I pushed the automobile whatever the rain, however I used to be getting cramps and muscle spasms in my higher physique.
“Partly that was as a result of the protection harness was so tight, but additionally due to emotion! By the end I had nothing left. God gave me this race.”
The V12-powered, handbook gearbox mannequin had been retained by McLaren for nearly three a long time and was repaired to race readiness by McLaren Heritage earlier than being offered in 2020.
Ayrton Senna, McLaren MP4-6 Honda, leads Nigel Mansell, Williams FW14 Renault
Picture by: Rainer Schlegelmilch / Getty Photos
“The automobile itself was a masterpiece of engineering delivered by Chief Designer Neil Oatley below the technical route of Gordon Murray. It featured an all-new 3.5-litre V-12 engine able to producing 720 horsepower and spinning to a screaming 13,800 rpm, mated to a six-speed handbook gearbox, all housed in a carbon fibre monocoque chassis and clothed with carbon fibre bodywork,” the public sale itemizing detailed.
“Practically 35 years later, the MP4/6 stays an analogue dream, emblematic of probably the most celebrated eras in Method 1.”
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