Global auction house RM Sotheby’s has unveiled two exceptional early consignments set to headline its return to Monaco on 24-25 April 2026. Held alongside the prestigious Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the biennial sale will take place at the Grimaldi Forum. The announcement signals a strong start for what promises to be one of the most compelling collector car auctions of the year.
Leading the early entries is a 1955 Aston Martin DB3S, chassis 111, one of only 20 customer examples ever constructed. Widely regarded as among the most beautiful sports racing cars of its era, the DB3S is powered by a 2,992-cc straight-six engine producing 210 brake horsepower. Originally displayed on the Aston Martin stand at the 1955 British Motor Show at Earls Court, it represents a cornerstone of the marque’s mid-century competition heritage.
Following its debut, chassis 111 enjoyed an active career in English club racing, competing at circuits including Silverstone and Snetterton. It achieved podium finishes in BRSCC and SMRC events before joining the esteemed Forshaw family collection, where it remained for over four decades. Rebuilt and restored over a three-year period, the car retains its matching-numbers engine block and continues to participate in historic events such as the Mille Miglia Storica.
Equally significant is the 1984 Toleman Motorsport TG183B, chassis TG183B-05 — the first Formula 1 Grand Prix car raced by Ayrton Senna. Driven exclusively by the future three-time World Champion during his debut 1984 season, the car competed in four Grands Prix. Senna secured sixth-place finishes in South Africa and Belgium, performances that first signalled his extraordinary pace to the wider world.
Senna’s early career trajectory included dominance in British Formula 3 before signing with Toleman after testing with Brabham, McLaren and Williams. His Grand Prix debut came in Brazil, followed by standout drives in South Africa and Belgium. The car’s final appearance with Senna occurred at Imola, closing the opening chapter of one of motorsport’s most storied careers.
Retained initially by the Enstone-based team before later being restored in the United States, chassis TG183B-05 has since appeared at high-profile historic showcases. It featured in Sky Sports F1’s documentary “The Story of Toleman” and returned to the circuit at Brands Hatch, as well as at Silverstone Festival commemorating 30 years since Senna’s passing. The car remains a deeply symbolic artifact within Formula 1 history.
With these two icons spanning sports car racing and Formula 1, RM Sotheby’s Monaco 2026 auction reinforces its reputation for presenting historically significant competition machinery. Set against the backdrop of Monaco’s historic racing weekend, the sale will gather collectors seeking provenance, performance heritage and enduring automotive artistry. Early consignments suggest an event positioned firmly at the apex of the global collector car market.
