The 1982 single-seater marked a decisive moment in the Brazilian driver’s career and is believed to be the only surviving Formula 3 car raced by Senna
A 1982 Ralt RT3 used by Ayrton Senna in his first Formula 3 appearance will be one of the highlights of the 2026 The Quail Auction, organized by Broad Arrow. The single-seater is expected to sell for between US$500,000 and US$700,000.
Identified by chassis number 291, the car holds an important place in the career of the three-time Formula 1 world champion. It was in this Ralt that Senna claimed pole position, victory and the fastest lap in his Formula 3 debut, held at Britain’s Thruxton circuit in November 1982.
The performance carried particular significance because it came during a decisive period in the driver’s life. Senna had been under pressure from his family to abandon racing and work in the family business in São Paulo. His successful experience at Thruxton helped confirm his decision to pursue a professional career in motorsport.
Dominant Formula 3 debut
Senna arrived at Thruxton with no previous experience in a Formula 3 car and no knowledge of the circuit. Even so, he secured pole position by seven-tenths of a second over the runner-up in a field that included Tommy Byrne, the newly crowned British Formula 3 champion.
In the race, the Brazilian won by 13 seconds and also set the fastest lap. His performance convinced West Surrey Racing to sign him for the 1983 season.
The following year, Senna won 12 of the 20 races in the British Formula 3 Championship, including the first nine events in succession. The results earned him the title and paved the way for his Formula 1 debut with Toleman in 1984.
Car was also driven by Mansilla and Berger
Before being handed over to Senna, chassis 291 had competed in the 1982 British Formula 3 Championship with Argentine driver Enrique Mansilla. Over 15 races, he scored four victories at Mallory Park, Oulton Park, Silverstone and Snetterton.
Mansilla finished second in the championship, just three points behind champion Tommy Byrne.
At the end of 1982, the Ralt was purchased by Helmut Marko, a former Formula 1 driver who later became Red Bull’s motorsport adviser. The car was taken from England to Austria by the then-young Gerhard Berger, who would later become Senna’s teammate at McLaren.
Berger raced the single-seater in the 1983 European Formula 3 Championship and achieved three podium finishes: third place at Zolder and two runner-up results at the Österreichring and Ring Knutstorp.
Ralt RT3 dominated the category in the 1980s
Ralt was founded by Australian designer Ron Tauranac after his departure from Brabham. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the manufacturer became one of the leading suppliers of single-seaters for junior racing categories.
The RT3 was developed to take advantage of ground-effect principles and received continuous updates until 1984. In 1982, approximately three-quarters of the British Formula 3 grid used Ralt cars.
The model offered for sale is equipped with a Toyota four-cylinder, twin-cam engine producing around 165 hp. Power is sent through a five-speed Hewland manual transmission, while the complete car weighs slightly more than 1,000 pounds, or approximately 454 kg.
Restored in the colors used by Senna
Chassis 291 was restored in the United Kingdom around 15 years ago. According to the information accompanying the car, the work is believed to have cost approximately £75,000.
During the restoration, the single-seater regained the blue and yellow Banerj and West Surrey Racing livery used in the Thruxton race. Following the work, the Ralt took part in the 2012 Monaco Historic Grand Prix.
The cockpit interior also bears the signatures of Bruno Senna, the three-time champion’s nephew, and Dick Bennetts, founder of West Surrey Racing and the person responsible for giving Senna the opportunity to compete in Formula 3.
Possibly the only survivor from Senna’s Formula 3 career
Broad Arrow states that chassis 291 is believed to be the only preserved Formula 3 car raced by Ayrton Senna. Copies of the timing sheets from the Thruxton weekend and documents relating to the vehicle’s history are included with the lot.
In addition to its historical significance, the car remains eligible to participate in competition events for classic vehicles. The Ralt RT3 can enter categories such as the FIA Historic Formula 3 European Cup and the classic Formula 3 championship organized by the Historic Sports Car Club.
The combination of documented provenance, a direct connection to the beginning of Senna’s career and the possibility of using the car in historic events helps explain the high estimate. More than an old racing car, the Ralt represents the moment when the Brazilian driver’s talent began gaining recognition in Europe’s leading single-seater categories.
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Source and images: Broad Arrow Auctions. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
