In April, Honda announced that its racing division would launch a memorabilia business, giving motorsport enthusiasts and collectors around the world a rare opportunity to own authentic items directly sourced from the company. The first item confirmed for auction is the last Honda V10 engine ever raced by Ayrton Senna — the 1990 Honda 3.5-litre V10 RA100E Formula 1 engine used in the final race of that season.
According to the plaque accompanying the lot, the engine parts all come from the Honda 3.5-litre V10 that powered the McLaren MP4/5B F1 car — specifically, the chassis driven by Senna during the 1990 Australian Grand Prix, held in Adelaide on 4 November. Although Senna retired from the race, he had already secured the Drivers’ Championship, with McLaren-Honda also clinching the Constructors’ title.
While full details of the lot have yet to be released, Honda previously confirmed that the works RA100E F1 engine was disassembled at its Sakura City factory in Japan by the original builders. The auction lot includes various internal and external components, such as camshafts, cam covers, pistons, and connecting rods.
The Bonhams Quail Auction will be held on 15 August in California during Monterey Car Week. The lot will be offered without reserve, with an estimated value of US$80,000–US$120,000. This represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a true piece of racing history.
