A piece of Formula 1 history is heading to auction. Ayrton Senna’s 1986 Lotus 98T, the very car he drove to victory at the Spanish and United States Grand Prix, will be offered by RM Sotheby’s, with bidding opening on . The pre-sale estimate places its value between $9.5 million and $12 million.
The Lotus 98T represents a pivotal moment in Senna’s career and a fascinating era in Formula 1. It was the last car to bear the iconic John Player Special livery – the striking black and gold color scheme – before the team’s sponsorship deal with the cigarette brand concluded. The car’s significance extends beyond aesthetics; it was a technological marvel of the mid-1980s turbo era, pushing the boundaries of engine performance.
Designed by Gérard Ducarouge and Martin Ogilvie, the 98T was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged Renault V6 engine. According to auction house materials, this engine was capable of producing over 735kW (approximately 1000 horsepower) in qualifying trim. The demands placed on these engines were immense, as described by Steve Hallam, Senna’s lead engineer. “That season, ’86, we used to change the turbochargers after every qualifying run, because the turbos would get so stressed that they were finished after just one lap,” Hallam explained. He detailed the extreme conditions mechanics faced, handling glowing red turbos with thick asbestos gloves, the air around them literally sparking as they cooled.
Chassis 98T-3, the specific car up for auction, is particularly noteworthy. It was driven exclusively by Senna during the first half of the 1986 season and proved to be the most successful of the four chassis built for that championship year. Senna secured two Grand Prix wins with this car – in Spain and the United States – along with five pole positions and three additional podium finishes. He bested formidable rivals including Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Nelson Piquet, and René Arnoux during those races.
The 1986 season was a turning point for both Senna, and Lotus. It marked Senna’s continued ascent as a dominant force in Formula 1, showcasing his exceptional driving skill and aggressive racing style. For Lotus, the season represented the culmination of the John Player Special era, a period of success and distinctive branding that had defined the team for years. The end of the John Player sponsorship was tied to a desire for a British driver, paving the way for Honda’s partnership and the signing of Satoru Nakajima as Senna’s teammate in 1987.
Following its competitive life with Lotus, the car was sold in 1988 and passed through several private collections. In 2016, it was acquired by its current owner and underwent a restoration process conducted by Paul Lanzante Ltd, a UK-based specialist in historic competition cars. RM Sotheby’s confirms the car is now presented in restored condition and is eligible for participation in historic racing events.
The auction of Senna’s Lotus 98T is more than just a sale of a rare and valuable automobile. It’s an opportunity to own a tangible piece of Formula 1 history, a car inextricably linked to one of the sport’s most iconic figures. The combination of Senna’s legendary status, the car’s racing pedigree, and its historical significance within the sport are expected to drive significant interest from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The $9.5 million to $12 million estimate reflects not only the car’s inherent value but also the enduring legacy of Ayrton Senna and the golden age of turbo-powered Formula 1.
