Ayrton Senna TG184 Toleman, down to the bear bones.

A few years ago, when I was still living in Argentina, I had the great opportunity to shoot in a very special way, this incredible piece of history, art, and engeneering.
The real number 05 TG184 Toleman from Ayrton Senna.

Gustavo Granelli, owner and head of Zackspeed workshop Argentina, call me to be part of an incredible adventure, documenting the process of bringing alive this amazing piece of history that one of his clients had bought a few years back. And because of the traditional customs bureaucracy, the car was sat for about 8 years in a customs warehouse. Although the primary idea was to not open the engine, with every external part we dissasembly, the more we figure it out that open the engine was going to be absolutely necessary.

I say “we” because I was next to Gustavo all the time, taking photos, but also helping him in a way, and I was absolutely amazed by the quality and handcraft of every piece of the car, instead of being a normal racer car where you are used to prioritise practical over esthetics, every thing was so well though, craft, and executed. It is among all, a true piece of art.

One of the many things I love about the car, is that perfect mix and balance between present and future, all the advance technology in many things made out of carbon fiber, titanium suspension arms, four fuel injectors per cylinder and yet, a mechanical fuel pump driven by a pulley or a lovely wooden shift knob.

Unfortunately, by the time I move to Italy, the engine was not close yet, and I couldn’t hear it running, but I know I will. At least I was fortunate enough of being part of this incredible process.