In the Silver Arrows race, it was ironically Alain Prost who had secured pole position, but Senna forced him off the track on lap one and grabbed the lead, pulling away and crossing the line ahead of Niki Lauda and Carlos Reutemann in third.
While the event was ostensibly an exhibition, its competitive nature and the level of the field meant that Senna’s win resonated deeply, his first indication that he could take on and beat the best drivers.
The Brazilian was so impressed by the car’s balance and performance that he immediately ordered one for himself.
According to RM Sotheby’s, Senna collected his 190 E directly from Mercedes-Benz’s Stuttgart factory and drove it back to his UK base in Esher, Surrey, accompanied by fellow Brazilian driver Mauricio Gugelmin.
After the three-time world champion death in 1994, the car was acquired by its current owner, who later took it to Australia upon emigrating there in 2004.
Now, more than 40 years after that famous Nürburgring triumph, Senna’s personal 190 E is being offered for sale, complete with its original documents bearing his name.
The car is expected to fetch around £220,000-£250,000 according to multiple auction previews.
To read more about the RM Sotheby’s November 1 London 2025 auction, click here.