McLaren unveils Ayrton Senna commemorative 1:8 scale model
McLaren in recent months has frequently mentioned Ayrton Senna — 2024 marks 30 years since the death of the F1 and Woking stable legend. A special edition with honorary paint has now become a 1:8 scale model. You can buy it, but it's not that simple.
Ayrton Senna is considered one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. The legendary Brazilian became a three-time world champion, but his career was cut short by a tragic accident at the Imola track. In 2024, it will be 30 years since Senna's death, and McLaren, in whose colours Ayrton won all his championship titles, has approached this anniversary with great seriousness.
During the Monaco Grand Prix of Formula 1, the British team appeared in special paint, and its drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, showcased commemorative helmets. The manufacturer from Woking also prepared a series of "Senna 30" films and articles and presented a limited-to-one-copy version of its McLaren Senna model with equally stunning paintwork.
This does not mean, however, that you cannot own a car with the Senna Sempre paintwork. You can, as long as you're satisfied with a 1:8 scale model. The chances are better here because there are 30 pieces. One went into the hands of McLaren; the second was given to Senna's family. The remaining 28 copies went on regular sale.
Amalgam, responsible for creating the model, admits that it took specialists as many as 3,000 hours to develop the entire model, and assembling one piece took another 300 hours.
Each model consists of thousands of elements created with 3D printing. You can be sure of the perfect reflection of each part—they were made based on confidential data provided by McLaren. The creators must be acknowledged for their immense work. In photos with a solid background, it's impossible to tell if we're dealing with a scale model or a real car.
The Senna Sempre paintwork has also been accurately replicated. It is kept in the colours of the Brazilian flag, which the three-time world champion wore on his helmet. Additionally, the car features two likenesses of Ayrton and references to his dominance on the streets of Monaco. Senna won there six times, five of those victories driving a McLaren.
As you might guess, such a meticulously crafted model is not among the cheapest, including shipping costs; the exceptional McLaren Senna in 1:8 scale costs as much as £17,540. However, customers will also pay for the faithful representation of the car, minimal edition, and unique paintwork that honours a motorsport icon.
