Mercedes 190E Takes Victory as Senna Overtakes Nine World Champions
On a rainy day in May 1984, the Nürburgring played host to a special event. Twenty identical Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 sedans, each with modifications such as harder springs, four-piston brakes, roll cages, and Pirelli racing tires, were lined up on the grid. Among the spectators were racing legends like Jack Brabham, James Hunt, Phil Hill, Alain Prost, Keke Rosberg, Niki Lauda, and a Brazilian rookie named Ayrton Senna.
The event was not an ordinary show race but a "Race of Champions" with precisely prepared 190E 2.3-16s. The challenging persistent rain conditions did little to dampen the spirits of the drivers, including Senna who qualified third.
Senna, impressed by the 190E from the Race of Champions, ordered a silver 190E with additional features. This car, which he drove to victory at the Nürburgring, was later acquired by an undisclosed buyer after being sold successfully. Senna was able to buy this car at a discount following his victory.
Senna drove his personal 190E for approximately 40,000 kilometers before selling it. The car, which came with a Becker radio, alarm system, and an autograph of Niki Lauda in the glove compartment, is now set to be auctioned off at RM Sotheby's in London. The estimated price for the auction is over 250,000 euros.
Nine of the 14 living Formula 1 world champions are participating in the race, making it a gathering of racing greats. The car that Senna drove to victory at the Nürburgring in 1984 is a testament to his skills and the power of the 190E 2.3-16. The auction is scheduled for November 1st, and racing enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history.
