Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is thrilled to offer an exceptional and noteworthy group of supercars and sports cars at The Amelia Auction this 1-2 March 2024 at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island.
The “Racer X Collection,” a selection of twelve exceptional vehicles that pays homage to the owner’s deep-seated love for cars, inspired by the iconic Speed Racer series and rooted in the owner’s childhood fascination with the adventures of Speed and the mysterious Racer X. This collection presents modern and vintage sporting classics including this magnificent 2019 McLaren Senna, estimated at $1,000,000 – $1,250,000,
Surpassed in Formula One World Championship titles and Grand Prix wins only by Ferrari, a team effectively formed in 1950, as opposed to 1966, McLaren remain a colossus of recent and contemporary motorsport. Remarkably, their rich history includes a period of dominance between 1984 and 1991 in which they secured no less than 13 of the 16 Formula One World titles awarded, including six Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship “Doubles” in eight years.
Fundamental to McLaren’s success during this period was the charismatic Brazilian Ayrton Senna, whose committed style and natural ability had drawn favorable comparisons with previous greats such as Fangio, Moss, Clark and Stewart. His relationship with McLaren Team Principal Ron Dennis was perhaps the most symbiotic in the sport since that of Clark and Colin Chapman; the man from São Paulo scoring some 35 Grands Prix victories and three World Drivers’ Championships during his five-year tenure at the team.
In 2018, some 30 years after his arrival at Woking–and 24 since his untimely death–Senna’s remarkable achievements and seismic impact at McLaren were commemorated by the launch of a new road car in his memory. Joining its illustrious predecessors the F1 and P1 in McLaren’s exalted “Ultimate Series” collection, the new car–designated simply Senna–was unlike previous or contemporary McLaren GT cars, for its design brief was almost entirely performance-focused.
Internally, the Senna was no less forward-thinking in its makeup, and was executed with the customary McLaren attention to detail. Although minimalist, and featuring copious use of polished carbon fiber, the cabin attracted plaudits for its race car-style seating position and near-perfect ergonomic layout. However, there were certain concessions to modernity and comfort, including a comprehensive Bluetooth-enabled infotainment and navigation system, dual-zone air conditioning, a rotating digital instrument panel and an optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Dihedral doors, exquisitely crafted carbon fiber seats, each weighing barely 18 pounds, and roof-mounted switches for the door release, windows and starter button not only completed the sense of occasion, but also reinforced the car’s impeccable race-bred credentials.
A dry weight of just 2,641 pounds afforded the Senna a power-to-weight ratio superior even to that of the P1. Consequently, its performance was nothing short of spectacular, with benchmarks of 62, 124, and 186 mph being reached in 2.8, 6.8, and 17.5 seconds respectively, prior to a top speed of some 211 mph being reached. However, the bare performance statistics only tell part of the Senna story, for the car also drew widespread praise for its perfectly weighted steering, near-instant chassis response, high-speed stability and spectacular braking.
Production of the Senna was capped at 500 units, ensuring that it remains a car of tremendous exclusivity. The example which Broad Arrow Auctions are proud to offer for sale here represents the 284th such chassis constructed, and was originally dispatched from McLaren’s factory in Woking, UK to McLaren Dallas in 2019. Following close consultation with McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the car was configured in the stunning color combination of Abyss Black with Paris Blue accents; this being mirrored internally by a Black Alcantara interior with contrasting Paris Blue stitching, seat belts, and door struts. Indeed, such was the attention to detail and quality of the work performed that these modifications alone accounted for more than three-quarters of the total cost of the car’s $220,000 option package. In addition, the car benefitted from the fitment of the optional Bowers & Wilkins seven-speaker audio system, Gorilla Glass door panels, and bespoke floor mats.
In its technical competence, dramatic appearance, exquisite manufacture, and superlative performance, the Senna is a GT car quite unlike any other. Unencumbered by the weight or complexity of any alternative power systems, and incorporating technology perfected over many years of competition, it affords its fortunate occupants arguably the purest driving experience outside that of a race car; a fitting tribute to the great man who gave the car its name.
Accompanied by its original factory documentation, handbooks and car cover, this magnificent example is presented in “as new” condition throughout and remarkably displays a recorded odometer reading of just 552 miles. Given the car’s formidable capabilities, this will doubtless be a figure to which the car’s fortunate new owner will be looking to add with all due haste.
This collection also features standout models such as the Hennessey Venom F5 Coupe, Lamborghini Sián, Porsche 911 Sport Classic, and the revered Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, to name a few. Each car resonates with the spirit of those thrilling moments that first ignited the owner’s passion for automobiles and creates a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire pieces of automotive history that exemplify the nature of Speed Racer’s iconic adventures and the enigmatic allure of Racer X. To view more thrilling cars on offer at Broad Arrows Amelia Auction, please visit their website at broadarrowauctions.com and be sure to register to bid for this exciting event.
