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![The late Ayrton Senna pictured washing his red Honda NSX. [Image: Supplied by Autotrader, Norio Koike]](https://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/11329/1282f163255344a9b04429845783b84c.jpg)
- Despite being one of the greatest Formula One legends, Ayrton Senna's red Honda NSX is his most famous passenger car, registered in 1991.
- Current owner Robert McFagan picked AutoTrader UK to sell his vehicle exclusively.
- According to McFagan, Senna was regularly photographed with the NSX whenever he stayed in Portugal.
Few cars hold such an iconic legacy as that of the Honda NSX. Couple that with legendary F1 champion and once-owner Ayrton Senna, and the vehicle, which is up for sale in the UK, will make one buyer very happy indeed.
It's also no surprise that this collector's item won't come cheap when it goes under the hammer on Auto Trader. Although the first-generation NSX was not the most powerful car, Senna had a hand in developing the car's final tuning and suspension. That alone is an incredible feat for any Senna fan.
Formula One Legend and three-time World Champion Ayrton Senna's personal Honda NSX went up for sale earlier in April on the UK automotive marketplace Auto Trader for an eye-watering half a million pounds, which equates to a starting price of just under R12 million.
Senna dominated the Formula One scene in the late 1980s and early '90s, winning 41 races and achieving a hattrick of world titles with the Honda-powered McLaren team. He died at Imola during the San Marino Grand Prix on 1 May 1994, but he is still considered one of the greatest drivers of the sport, and his legacy continues to live on.
Senna's red Honda NSX is owned by Robert McFagan from East Sussex. The Brazilian icon's NSX is one of the most famous cars he owned and kept at his Portuguese home. He was photographed washing the car in 1991, the same year the vehicle was registered.
Auto Trader UK lists the 3.0-litre NSX Coupe with 202kW and 283Nm mated to a Euro-spec five-speed manual gearbox. It can go from zero to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 266km/h. The car currently has just more than 62 900km (39 100 miles) on the clock.
This NSX was also featured in the film "Racing is in My Blood", which showed Senna lighting up the back wheels with a wheel spin. According to Auto Trader, Senna also owned two other NSX cars, a personal one in black in Brazil and another black NSX purchased for him by his manager Antonio Braga.
Built for speed and precision, the NSX is known for its responsive handling - thanks to Senna's recommendation of a 50% stiffer chassis and aerodynamic design and delivers an exhilarating driving experience. It's a car that still puts the Japanese automaker in a very bright light.
Only a few of these models are currently in existence. So, the lucky buyer of Senna's red NSX will have a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive and racing history.
Owner Robert McFagan said he first bought the car in 2013 during a trip to the Algarve in Portugal and has owned it ever since where it has sat proudly at his estate in East Sussex.
Senna's red NSX was given to him by Honda, with whom he had a commercial partnership.
"Being a huge Senna fan myself, I was delighted when I was able to get my hands on the NSX, which was crafted to perfection and features a sleek and powerful machine to give you an incredible experience on the road. It's been a real pleasure owning one of the most famous cars belonging to a true sporting legend. The thrill of driving Senna's car never goes away."
Auto Trader editorial director Erin Baker said: "We often see cars once owned by celebrities to royalty being listed on our site. Senna's impact on Formula One and the world of motorsport was immeasurable. Senna's iconic Honda NSX is a chance to own a rare piece of sporting history that will undoubtedly turn heads and spark conversations among friends, family and neighbours."
The full listing being sold by Robert McFagan on the Auto Trader website can be viewed here.
