Bassano del Grappa: Montegrappa, Italy’s most revered manufacturer of fine writing instruments, is pleased to announce the debut of new commemorative pens honouring Grand Prix racing legend Ayrton Senna. The pens will be part of Montegrappa’s popular ‘Icons’ series of writing instruments, which pays tribute to globally admired cultural notables who have achieved greatness in a variety of fields, including music, movies and sports. Previously released pens in the ‘Icons’ series have honoured Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

Ayrton Senna da Silva (21 March 1960 – 1 May 1994) was a Brazilian racing driver who won three Formula One world championships, in 1988, 1990 and 1991. Senna has often been voted as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time in various motorsport polls, and maintains a number of records even 20 years after his death; from 1989 until 2006 held the record for most pole positions. 

Senna’s legacy continues thanks to the activity of the Instituto Ayrton Senna, which has been working to create opportunities for human development to children and young Brazilians, in cooperation with businesses, governments, municipalities, schools and universities. He remains a role model for the youth of Brazil, and an inspiration for would-be racing drivers the world over. 

To honour Senna, in the year that marks the 20th Anniversary of his legacy, Montegrappa will issue a series of pens that encapsulate his spirit and his style. A yellow cabochon set in the top of the cap recalls the colour of his helmet, which was accented by green to match the hues of the Brazilian flag. Engraved in a ring surrounding the top of the cap and the cabochon is the inscription ‘Ayrton Senna da Silva March 21, 1960 - May 1, 1994’. Senna’s signature appears in flaming red on the side of the cap. The rings at both ends of the cap are engraved with tyre tread patterns. A pocket clip in the shape of an F1 race car has been fitted with its rear ‘spoiler’ bearing the ‘Senna Double S’ logo. 

The barrel ends with two crossed flags, while the rings bear the dates of his three F1 World Championships. The shape differs from the Ayrton Senna pen produced in 1995, while linking the pen to the original edition is the nib, with ‘Senna Double S’ logo. 

Supplied in unique boxes, the Ayrton Senna Icons pens will be offered as fountain pens, roller balls and ballpoints in jet-black resin, in the Legend Series of 1960 pieces each with sterling silver trim, to mark the year of his birth. The solid sterling silver Champion Series with cap and barrel engraved in low-relief will be available in a limited edition of 610 examples each as fountain pens and roller balls, representing his tally of championship points. To complete the collection, both the Legend and the Champion models are available in an exclusive solid gold version comprised of 20 fountain pens and 20 roller balls each, representing the 20th anniversary of his legacy.