Ayrton Senna’s Final Honda V10 Engine Up for Auction – Own a Piece of Racing History!

Honda Racing Corporation is opening a new chapter in motorsport history by auctioning one of the most iconic pieces from its Formula One legacy. On August 15, in Carmel, California, the very engine that powered Ayrton Senna during part of the 1990 Formula One season will go under the hammer at the Bonhams Quail Auction. Known as the RA100E, this V10 engine, serial number V805, was installed in the McLaren Honda MP4/5B and used by Senna during the warm-up at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka and during the actual race at the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide.

What makes this auction even more special is that this is not just another old engine. This was the final Honda V10 Formula One engine raced by Senna, making it a one-of-a-kind relic. Honda typically disassembled these engines after races to analyze wear and tear, but this unit was preserved intact due to its historical importance. With Honda shifting focus to the development of its V12 engine for the following season, this engine was never taken apart.

The memorabilia is housed in a display case, with each component meticulously arranged and accompanied by an authenticity certificate from Honda Racing Corporation. This auction is not just about acquiring an engine—it is about owning a real piece of motorsport history.

This offering marks the first in Honda Racing Corporation’s new memorabilia business, which was introduced in April 2025. Their goal is to give fans around the world a chance to connect with motorsport on a deeper level by owning real parts and race-used machines. Starting with this engine sets the tone for what is likely to be a very passionate and exclusive marketplace.

The timing could not be more perfect, either. Every August, the Monterey Peninsula comes alive with Monterey Car Week, an event that draws car lovers from across the globe. From historic races to exclusive auctions, it is a hotspot for rare finds and collector-grade machines. For fans of Formula One, McLaren, Honda, or Senna himself, this engine might just be the ultimate treasure.