Benetton B190
The Championship Contender
This B190 represents a rare opportunity to own a Formula One icon, meticulously preserved for the discerning collector. More than 30 years after its Grand Prix performances, the B190 retains its remarkable legacy, it is still roaring down the track. This F1 demanded absolute skill and precision from its drivers—with an H-pattern 6-speed gearbox, a raw V8 engine, and no driver aids, it remained a pure and exhilarating Formula One experience. This car has been involved in the new Apple / Apex Brad Pitt film F1 directed by Joseph Kosinski.
History of the Benetton B190 Chassis 4
This Benetton was acquired by the actual owner in 2010 from an F1 Team Principal. This acquisition included an extensive range of spares, which the owner has been supplementing over the years. The car has always been in complete working order. Maintained by Michael Jakeman, who worked for Benetton during and after the 1990 season, it is set up and ready to run. The actual owner has campaigned the car extensively year on year, week on week, through the English Spring / Summer / Autumn at 90% of the UK circuits, Spa test days, Masters demo invitations, Historic demonstration with F1 at Spa in 2024, as well as Suzuka and Adelaide. Each run is fully documented.
Some ambiguity exists between this chassis and chassis 8, with unsubstantiated information relating to swapped chassis plates, declaration of provenance and errors in some listings, which remain uncontested. Anyway, the car is being sold as what it is, with no intention to misrepresent the offer in any way. It is ahigh performance car and the only FIA HTP running B190.
A written statement from the No. 1 Team Engineer at Benetton states that he has inspected the car and confirmed “it is the one that Nelson Piquet drove to win the Suzuka and Adelaide races in 1990”. We are not making a categorical statement of fact regarding this point.
A Racing Icon That Defined an Era
The Benetton B190 was more than just a Formula One car; it was a statement of engineering excellence and competitive ambition. Designed by Rory Byrne and developed under the guidance of Technical Director John Barnard, this car embodied cutting-edge aerodynamics, powerful engineering, and race-winning potential.
Competing in the 1990 FIA Formula One World Championship, the B190 was the machine that carried Nelson Piquet, Alessandro Nannini and Roberto Moreno into battle against the era’s greats—McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams. It secured two Grand Prix victories, solidifying its status as one of Benetton’s most iconic F1 cars.
A Car Coveted by Champions
The Benetton B190’s legacy extends beyond its race-winning accomplishments— it continues to captivate elite drivers even decades after its competitive career concluded.
During a celebrity track session at Adelaide, Thierry Boutsen — who raced for
As Boutsen took to the circuit, he immediately felt the balance, power, and precision of the B190. Pushing the car to its limits, he showcased the smooth handling and race-winning capabilities that defined this machine in its prime. Returning to the pits after his run, Boutsen was full of praise for the B190: “The B190 is an exceptionally well-balanced vehicle. Its engine delivers a smooth and powerful performance, while the gearbox is exceptionally slick and responsive, enabling clutchless upshifts in just 0.1 second!”
Later, during an on-stage interview, Boutsen stood alongside Brabham and Hill as they discussed their experiences. Gesturing toward the B190, Boutsen and Hill both agreed: “This is the car we both wanted to be driving!”
Formula One cars are only as remarkable as the legendary drivers who drive them, and the B190 continues to captivate some of the most skilled professionals in the industry.
THE POWER BEHIND THE LEGEND
Ford-Cosworth HBA4 3.5L V8
Raw Performance, Unmatched Sound
The beating heart of the B190 was its 3.5-litre Ford-Cosworth HBA4 V8 engine, a naturally aspirated masterpiece producing 680 horsepower at 12,800 rpm, delivering ferocious acceleration and high-revving excitement. Ultra-responsive throttle mapping, providing instant torque delivery and race-winning consistency. Lightweight yet robust construction ensures peak efficiency and high-speed reliability.
Spare Parts & Documentation
Beyond a Car – A Complete Piece of Racing Heritage
Owning this Benetton B190 is not merely about possessing a Formula One car—it’s about embracing an entire chapter of motorsport history, meticulously preserved for the true collector and connoisseur.
With this sale, you receive a comprehensive collection of spare parts, thereby safeguarding the legacy of this extraordinary car.
Included with the car:
• Original bodywork panels – Race used, featuring authentic sponsor liveries.
• Spare front wing and rear assembly – Genuine components from the 1990 season.
• A complete spare back end - consisting of a dry sump tank, gearbox, differential, drive shafts, suspension, dampers & rear uprights fully assembled and ready to run.
• Gearbox & drivetrain components – Spare internals for the B190’s H-pattern 6-speed transmission.
• Suspension & brake components – Including pushrod suspension arms, brake calipers, and carbon brake discs.
• Tires & Wheels – Three sets of tires on original rims plus spares rims.
• Cockpit components – True to the originals, offering an authentic glimpse into the driver’s controls.
What It Means to Own This Car:
• Fully functional and ready for track use.
• An iconic centrepiece for private collections or motorsport museums.
• Immaculately preserved with original spare parts.
• Suzuka & Adelaide 1990 Victories
Call us for details!
Asking Price : P.O.R