The Legacy of Ayrton Senna
Only a few drivers have left such a mark on Formula 1 as Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian legend possessed an incredible talent for extracting the maximum from any car, allowing him to reach the podium in every full Formula 1 season and win races in all seasons except his debut year of 1984.
Although he is most remembered for his years with McLaren, he also spent two seasons with the Lotus team, and this car is one of those he drove during that time.
An Icon of the Turbo Era
The 98T, created by Lotus for the 1986 Formula 1 World Championship, is one of the most iconic cars in the history of the British team. Finished in the unmistakable gold and black John Player Special livery, it remains a definitive Formula 1 silhouette. One such example will be auctioned in March, with an estimated value of approximately $12 million.
Power Under Senna’s Control
Senna drove this car in his second season with the team. The car, equipped with a fiery 1.5-liter turbocharged Renault V6 engine, is considered one of the most powerful Formula 1 cars of its era.
In race configuration, it produced around 900 horsepower. In qualifying mode, the power approached 1200 hp, and all this energy was delivered to the rear wheels, making the 98T a formidable machine even by the wild standards of the mid-1980s.
The History of the Specific Chassis
This Lotus 98T bears chassis number 98T-3 and was driven exclusively by Ayrton Senna during the first half of the 1986 season. With him at the wheel, it achieved two victories, three podium finishes, and five pole positions.
According to auction house RM Sotheby’s, this car was purchased directly from Lotus in 1988 and has since passed through several notable motorsport collectors. Since 2016, it has been owned by its current custodian and has undergone a thorough restoration at the Lanzante workshop.
Unlike some former Formula 1 cars from which engines have been removed, this Lotus retains its original V6 engine and remains fully operational for anyone brave enough to tame it.
A Living Legend with a History
Few machines carry such a significant history, corroborated by corresponding battle scars. This auction lot is not just a collector’s car but a rare artifact embodying the spirit of one of the most dangerous and thrilling eras in racing. The $12 million price tag reflects not only the car’s rarity and technical excellence but also the immense value of its connection to one of the greatest drivers of all time. Such specimens rarely come to open auction, making this event a landmark for the world of motorsport collecting.