2012-01-19 14:43:08 - A race helmet used by arguably the world’s best ever F1 racing driver, the late Ayrton Senna, is undoubtedly the star automobilia lot at Silverstone Auction’s forthcoming Race Retro Sale.

Its rarity and collectable appeal is reflected in its estimate price of between £40,000 to £50,000. The helmet wears 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 times 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 on the 25th February 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.

Guy Loveridge, Automobilia Consultant, Silverstone Auctions, said: “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.

“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, make this automobilia auction one not to be missed by motorsport enthusiasts.”

The Race Retro and Classic Car Sale takes place at the Race Retro International Historic Show, Europe’s premier historic racing event, which is held from the 24th to 26th February at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

Viewing of the lots at Race Retro, including automobilia which is expected to comprise of 100 lots, will from 10am on the Friday (24th) and until lunchtime on the Saturday (25th), when bidding commences.

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.

Anyone interested in attending the sale will be required to purchase an auction catalogue.

Those interested in submitting an entry into the auction can email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or call 01926 691 141. Meanwhile, auction catalogues are available online at www.silverstoneauctions.com

For further information about Race Retro visit www.raceretro.com