One of the most historically significant Honda NSX models ever built is set to enter the spotlight as RM Sotheby’s prepares to auction a 1991 Honda NSX Formula Red that was once owned and driven by Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna.
The legendary Japanese supercar is scheduled to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s London auction on October 31, 2026, with an estimated value of £500,000–£800,000, or approximately $650,000–$1 million.
The car carries chassis number JHMNA11500T000233 and is believed to be one of only three Honda NSX units specially provided for Senna’s personal use. The car was kept at Senna’s residence in Quinta do Lago, Portugal, and became one of the most recognizable NSX examples connected to the Brazilian racing icon.
The car gained worldwide attention after an iconic photograph showed Senna casually washing the red NSX with a garden hose. It also appeared in the 1992 documentary Ayrton Senna: Racing Is In My Blood, further cementing its place in motorsport history.
Senna was also seen using the NSX during his visit to the 1991 Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril, making the car more than just a personal vehicle — it became part of the story surrounding one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers.
1991 Honda NSX Specifications
The first-generation Honda NSX was created as a revolutionary Japanese supercar designed to challenge European rivals with advanced engineering and everyday usability.
- Engine: 3.0-liter V6 naturally aspirated (C30A)
- Power Output: 271 horsepower (bhp)
- Torque: Approximately 285 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Engine Placement: Mid-mounted
- Body Structure: Lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis
- Suspension: Independent double-wishbone suspension front and rear
- Weight: Around 1,350 kg
- Top Speed: Approximately 270 km/h
- 0–100 km/h Acceleration: Around 5.9 seconds
- Exterior Color: Formula Red
At the time of its launch, the NSX introduced technology rarely seen in production sports cars, including an all-aluminum body structure and precision handling characteristics inspired by Honda’s motorsport experience.
Ayrton Senna himself played a crucial role in the development of the first-generation Honda NSX. During testing at Suzuka and the Nürburgring, Senna provided Honda engineers with valuable feedback that helped improve chassis rigidity, suspension balance, and overall driving dynamics.
The Brazilian champion’s input helped transform the NSX into a sports car praised for its balance, reliability, and driver-focused character.
The auction value reflects not only the rarity of the vehicle but also the legacy attached to Senna’s name. For collectors, owning this NSX means owning a piece of Formula 1 history — a direct connection to one of the greatest drivers in motorsport.
This Honda NSX is worth far more than its specifications alone. Many classic cars become valuable because of performance or rarity, but this NSX carries a unique story that cannot be replicated. It was not just a car owned by Senna — it was a machine that represented his passion for engineering and driving perfection.
The combination of Honda’s legendary engineering, Senna’s involvement in its development, and the emotional value attached to the car could make this one of the most important Japanese sports cars ever sold at auction.
What do you think? Is Ayrton Senna’s Honda NSX worth nearly $1 million, or is that price too high for a 1991 Japanese supercar? Share your opinion in the comments.
