Iconic 1987 Porsche 911 Cabriolet, once belonging to racing legend Ayrton Senna, Goes to Auction, Retaining Its Owner's Distinctive Signature Within
Ayrton Senna's 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet Up for Auction
Ayrton Senna's iconic 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet is currently up for auction, attracting significant interest from collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike. This silver Cabriolet, with its distinctive 16-inch Fuchs wheels and polished outer lips, holds a unique place in motorsport history as Senna's personal car during his off-season periods and retreats in Portugal[1][3][5].
The car's mileage of approximately 74,462 kilometers (46,268 miles) is a testament to its genuine use rather than being a static collector’s item[2]. Senna's signature on the driver's seat and the original OH-18-13 license plate serve as permanent proof of the car's pedigree[4].
In 2024, Portuguese specialists Love My Car restored the Cabriolet to its original specifications, maintaining the car's classic appeal while preserving its legendary provenance under Senna's ownership[5]. The interior boasts black leather seats, power adjustments, air conditioning, and a period-correct Blaupunkt Montreux AM/FM cassette radio[6].
Under the hood, the car's 3.2-liter air-cooled flat-six engine produces 217 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque[7]. The transmission is a G50 5-speed manual, ensuring a smooth and engaging driving experience.
The restoration process was meticulous, involving stripping the body to bare metal and reapplying the original Silver Metallic paint (code L980)[8]. New OEM fenders and panels were sourced, and factory rubber seals were replaced. The attention to detail during the restoration followed Porsche assembly manual standards[9].
The car is currently bidding at €620,000 (roughly $728,700) on SBX Cars[10]. With the auction nearing its end, this opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history may not last long[11].
| Feature | Details | |---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Model and Year | 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet | | Historic Significance | Driven and personally owned by Ayrton Senna during off-season and retreats in Portugal | | Signature | Senna's autograph on the driver's seat | | Mileage | Approximately 74,462 kilometers | | Restoration | Maintained/restored to preserve condition (specifics not detailed) | | Current Status | Up for auction as of mid-2025, attracting significant collector interest | | Engine | 3.2-liter air-cooled flat-six, producing 217 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque | | Transmission | G50 5-speed manual | | Interior | Black leather with power-adjustable seats, air conditioning, and a period-correct Blaupunkt Montreux AM/FM cassette radio | | Wheels | 16-inch Fuchs wheels with polished outer lips | | Paint | Original Silver Metallic (code L980) | | Documentation | Extensive documentation, including Portuguese registration papers, service records, restoration photos, and a cameo appearance in the 2010 Netflix documentary "Senna." | | Usage | Used by Senna for exploring the Portuguese countryside during breaks from Formula 1 |
This car is not just a classic Porsche; it embodies a unique connection to one of motorsport’s greatest figures, making it highly valuable both historically and financially[1][3][5].
- The lifestyle and education sector can delve into the story of Ayrton Senna's 1987 Porsche 911 Cabriolet, an emblem of style and self-development through its association with a legendary sports figure.
- General news and entertainment platforms may highlight this once-in-a-lifetime chance to bid on a piece of entertainment history, as the auction of Senna's personal car brings excitement for both automotive enthusiasts and sports fans.
- Lifestyle magazines and education-and-self-development resources can discuss the concept of owning such a stylish and significant vehicle, focusing on its impact on one's personal and financial growth.