Skip to product information
1 of 3

Varig boarding pass to London autographed by Ayrton Senna (1993)

Varig boarding pass to London autographed by Ayrton Senna (1993)

Regular price R$ 9.000,00 BRL
Regular price Sale price R$ 9.000,00 BRL
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

3% off for cash payments and free shipping

Comes with a Digital Certificate of Authenticity and Warranty ☑️

Comprar já

In 1993, at Heathrow Airport in London, Ayrton Senna gives up his spot to a Brazilian passenger and autographs her Varig boarding pass for her husband, a great fan of the driver.

In 1993, Hedy Simonelli, then assistant to the president of the J. Walter Thompson agency in São Paulo, was traveling to London via Varig. Upon arriving at Heathrow Airport, her name and Ayrton Senna's were called at the same time at the counter: she needed to resolve a passport issue, and the driver had been recognized. Cordial, Senna let her be served first. Hedy took the opportunity to ask for an autograph for her husband, Tito, a great admirer of the driver. Senna signed the travel document directly, along with the Varig luggage tags, and added the year, "93". Years later, the piece was acquired at auction by its current owner, who located Hedy Simonelli thanks to the name on the document. She confirmed its authenticity and told the story of the encounter in detail.

A three-time Formula 1 world champion and the greatest idol of Brazilian sports, Ayrton Senna lived his final full season in 1993 with McLaren, marked by memorable victories such as the one in the rain at Donington and the one at Interlagos, in front of his home crowd. A few months later, in May 1994, he would die in Imola. This autograph, obtained in a spontaneous moment of the driver's daily life between his countless trips to England, also reveals the kindness that so many Brazilians hold in their memory. Its provenance is particularly solid: the story was confirmed directly by the person who obtained the signature, a rare asset in a market where Senna's signature is among the most forged.

The authenticity was evaluated by specialist Mathias Meyer, a member of the ILAB, at the maximum level G5 of the Glórias Scale, "Exceptionally sustained authenticity".

This item is certified and offered on consignment by Glorias, which acts as an intermediary between the buyer and the seller, for a commission paid by the seller.

View full details

Frequently asked questions about the GLÒRIAS COLLECTION

Is there a physical store where I can see the items in person?

No. Glórias operates exclusively online because we serve collectors throughout Brazil and also abroad. If you wish to examine an item before purchase, we will be happy to send high-resolution photographs or additional information. Our team is located in Belo Horizonte (MG).

Do the items sold come with a certificate of authenticity?

Yes. All items available at Glórias have been carefully selected, studied, and certified before being offered for sale. Each purchase comes with a digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee, which we send via email. It is signed and stamped by Mathias Meyer, a French autograph expert since 2010 and a member of the ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers).

Who selects and certifies the items sold?

All items are selected and certified by Mathias Meyer, a French specialist in autographs, manuscripts, and historical documents since 2010. Throughout his career, he has studied thousands of pieces related to Brazilian history, sports, science, literature, and arts, and is now a member of ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers) and founder of Glórias.

How do I make a purchase?

You can purchase directly from the Glórias website, 24 hours a day, quickly and securely. If you prefer personalized service or have questions before purchasing, you can also contact us by email at contato@glorias.com.br or by WhatsApp at +55 (31) 98221-5758.

What are the payment methods?

We accept payment via Pix or bank transfer, both with a 3% discount for upfront payment, as well as credit card in up to 3 interest-free installments, offering convenience and security for customers across Brazil.

Can I pay for my purchase in installments?

Yes. You can pay in full via Pix or bank transfer with a 3% discount, or pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card, with immediate shipping after payment confirmation. It is also possible to pay in up to 10 installments via Pix; in this case, shipping will be carried out after the full payment of the purchase.

Can I ask for a discount?

We offer a 3% discount for payments made in full (via Pix or bank transfer) or the option to pay in up to 3 interest-free installments by credit card. Furthermore, the prices of our pieces are carefully determined based on international market supply and demand, the specific characteristics of each item, and sales results of similar pieces. For this reason, we typically do not grant additional discounts. However, if you wish to purchase multiple pieces or make an exceptionally high-value purchase, we would be pleased to consider a special commercial arrangement.

How is delivery made? What will I receive?

Delivery time varies from approximately 1 to 10 business days, depending on the recipient's location. In Brazil, we primarily use SEDEX, and for international shipments, FedEx. The document is placed in an elegant laid paper folder and sent in completely discreet packaging. The digital certificate of authenticity and guarantee is sent via email in PDF format for security reasons. Shipping is free throughout Brazil. For international shipments, the shipping cost is a fixed R$ 500.00. For some exceptionally valuable or specially sized pieces, delivery may be carried out personally by Mathias Meyer, in Brazil or abroad.

Can I return my purchase?

Yes. For online purchases, the Consumer Protection Code guarantees the right of withdrawal within 7 days of receiving the item. If you are not satisfied, simply contact us and we will respond promptly to find the best solution, which may include a full refund after the return and verification of the item.

What warranties come with the items?

All items sold by Glórias have a lifetime guarantee against any potential certification error, provided that such error is subsequently demonstrated and confirmed by Mathias Meyer. In this scenario, the buyer will be fully reimbursed. To date, this situation has never occurred. The guarantee does not cover natural alterations or damage caused by improper storage, exposure to light, humidity, insects, or any other external factor that may compromise the preservation of the item or the ink.

Can I resell this piece in the future?

Yes. Should you wish to sell your piece in the future, please contact us. We would be happy to guide you and help you find a new collector.

How can I add value to my collection?

If your goal is to go beyond an isolated purchase, the ideal is to build a coherent collection around a theme, a personality, or a historical period, such as aviation pioneers, women who made history, love letters, old photographs of Rio de Janeiro, Oscar Niemeyer, Pelé, or Ayrton Senna. Mathias Meyer can guide you in forming a consistent collection, according to your interests, objectives, and budget.

How should I store my document or autograph?

To preserve your document in the best condition, we recommend against laminating it or keeping it permanently framed, as paper needs to breathe and prolonged exposure to light can accelerate its deterioration. Ideally, store it in a dry, dark, and clean place, protected from humidity, extreme temperatures, dust, and insects, ensuring its preservation for many decades.

Why aren't these pieces in museums?

Throughout history, much of the world's documentary heritage has been preserved thanks to private collectors and dealers. These enthusiasts of historical documents play a fundamental role in the discovery, study, and preservation of pieces that can later be loaned, donated, or sold to museums and other institutions. In Brazil, where many museums have limited financial resources and staff, this collaboration is even more important. Glórias maintains relationships with public institutions, museums, and researchers, both in Brazil and abroad, sharing discoveries, knowledge, and, in some cases, documents for exhibitions.

Can I offer you a part to buy?

Yes, please send photos and information about the item: we can make a purchase offer or, if you prefer, appraise and certify the item for you to sell it at auction, to another professional, to a private individual, or through us.

Where do the parts sold by Glórias come from?

Behind every rare document lies a unique trajectory, which makes collecting a fascinating way to preserve and transmit history. Most of the pieces offered by Glórias were inherited by families who contacted us, while others were acquired at auctions, where they were misidentified or undervalued, or came from collectors, antique dealers, or autograph document merchants.