Rare Senna helmet 'headlines' auction lots

A race helmet used by the late Ayrton Senna will undoubtedly be the star automobilia lot at Silverstone Auction's forthcoming Race Retro Sale.

The item's rarity and collectable appeal - particularly in a period where Senna, arguably the world's best ever F1 racing driver, was remembered on the silver screen - is reflected in its estimate price of between ?40,000 to ?50,000. The helmet bears the traditional Senna livery, featuring the colours of the Brazilian flag, coupled with Nacional, Marlboro, Boss and Honda branding, and is supported by a McLaren International authentication certificate having been purchased by the vendor directly from Ron Dennis.

However, fans of the three-time F1 champion who miss out on the helmet won't be disappointed as a used race suit, also dating from the 1991 World Championship winning season, is also under the hammer at the 25 February event at Stoneleigh Park.

The suit, estimated at between ?20,000 to ?30,000, has full branding from Nacional, Marlboro, Boss, TAG Heuer, Goodyear, Shell, Courtaulds and Honda. It also has Senna's name embroidered on the belt along with the Brazilian national Flag.

"We believe this to be the first time this century that a fully authenticated and certified Senna helmet and race suit have been offered for public auction," Guy Loveridge, automobilia consultant at Silverstone Auctions, commented, "Not surprisingly, we expect interest to very strong for both items due to the current boom in interest and memories of Ayrton Senna.

"Both lots come from an extensive private collection, along with a selection of other items, including a Jochen Rindt trophy and one of Gerhard Berger's used crash helmets, and make this automobilia auction one not to be missed by motorsport enthusiasts."

As well as a wide range of automobilia, the sale will include a number of pedigree competition and classic cars, including a 1961 Maserati 3500GT, a 1987 MG Metro 6R4, a 1948 Allard K1 and a 1966 Shelby GT-350.

The Race Retro and Classic Car Sale takes place at the Race Retro International Historic Show, held from the 24-26 February at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. Viewing of the lots, including an automobilia section expected to comprise 100 items, will take place from 10am on 24 February until lunchtime the following day, when bidding commences. Anyone interested in attending the sale will be required to purchase an auction catalogue.