The world's most desirable Airfix kit is to go under the hammer next week. It's made from none other than Ayrton Senna's 1991 World Championship-winning McLaren MP4/6 Formula One car.
After it won the championship, artist Jay Burridge happened to see the car in the McLaren workshop and mentioned that it would make a fantastic sculpture. McLaren boss Ron Dennis agreed, and gave Burridge his blessing to create the giant Airfix-style kit, which is now up for auction at the Nürburgring on August 13.
The sculpture was displayed until Senna's death in 1994, when it was put into storage out of respect following his death. It has been displayed periodically since then, still bearing scratches from its time as a racing car.
It's a unique opportunity to own a McLaren F1 car as the British firm has a policy of not selling its car to private collectors. It you fancy hanging it on your wall, the estimate from auction firm Coys is £30,000-£50,000.
Alisdair Suttie - 4 Aug 2011
