Lot Title:
Race-Used Ayrton Senna McLaren MP4/5 Windscreen – Monaco Grand Prix 1989 – TAG Heuer Livery – With Neil Trundle Provenance
Description:
An exceptional and highly evocative piece of Formula 1 history, this original race-used windscreen comes from the McLaren MP4/5 driven by Ayrton Senna during the legendary 1989 Monaco Grand Prix weekend—one of the most iconic circuits and defining races in motorsport.
The windscreen, bearing the period-correct TAG Heuer branding, was used by Senna en route to a dominant performance, securing pole position and victory at Monaco—further cementing his mastery of the principality’s streets. Constructed from clear Perspex with its original black lower trim, the piece exhibits authentic race wear, including light scratches, surface marks, and patina consistent with period use, enhancing both its authenticity and display appeal.
This example represents a “medium length” configuration, consistent with Monaco specifications, where aerodynamic and visibility adjustments were critical for the tight, technical circuit. The shape, mounting points, and trim details align with known MP4/5 race components from the era.
Provenance:
Accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Neil Trundle, Chief Mechanic to Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at McLaren during this period. The letter confirms:
-
Use by Ayrton Senna in the 1989 Monaco Grand Prix (MP4/5)
-
Standard post-race removal and retention practices by team mechanics
-
Period-correct characteristics and configuration of the windscreen
Such direct team-issued provenance from a senior McLaren figure of this stature is exceptionally rare and significantly elevates the importance and collectability of the piece.
Condition:
-
Original race-used condition
-
Visible wear including scratches, minor scuffs, and aging to decals
-
Missing upper rubber trim (not uncommon due to period reuse practices, as noted in the letter)
-
Structurally sound and well-presented on a custom display mount
Display:
Mounted on a bespoke wooden plinth with descriptive plaque, accompanied by the original certificate and period reference imagery—ready for immediate exhibition in a private collection, gallery, or museum setting.
Significance:
Artifacts directly linked to Ayrton Senna—particularly from Monaco, where he earned the title “King of Monaco”—are among the most coveted in Formula 1 collecting. Components from the dominant McLaren-Honda era (1988–1991) are especially rare, with very few surviving outside institutional or team archives.
Estimate:
Upon request
