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The Last Great Lotus F1 Car: Ayrton Senna’s 1986 Lotus 98T

### The Last Great Lotus F1 Car: Ayrton Senna's 1986 Lotus 98T The 1986 Lotus 98T is a name that will forever be etched in the annals of F1 history. This car was the pinnacle of Lotus's efforts during the mid-1980s, and it was the final chapter in the team's golden era. The 98T was a testament to the innovative spirit of Gérard Ducarouge, who designed the car to be more compact and efficient than its predecessor, the 97T. The 98T was powered by a 1.5-liter V6 Renault engine, which produced around 900 horsepower in race trim. This was a significant increase from the 97T's engine, which had produced around 700 horsepower. The Renault engine was a key factor in the 98T's success, as it provided the necessary power and efficiency to compete with the dominant Ferrari and Williams teams. One of the most iconic aspects of the 98T was ...

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### The Last Great Lotus F1 Car: Ayrton Senna’s 1986 Lotus 98T

The 1986 Lotus 98T is a name that will forever be etched in the annals of F1 history. This car was the pinnacle of Lotus’s efforts during the mid-1980s, and it was the final chapter in the team’s golden era. The 98T was a testament to the innovative spirit of Gérard Ducarouge, who designed the car to be more compact and efficient than its predecessor, the 97T.

The 98T was powered by a 1.5-liter V6 Renault engine, which produced around 900 horsepower in race trim. This was a significant increase from the 97T’s engine, which had produced around 700 horsepower. The Renault engine was a key factor in the 98T’s success, as it provided the necessary power and efficiency to compete with the dominant Ferrari and Williams teams.

One of the most iconic aspects of the 98T was its livery. The car wore the now-famous John Player Special (JPS) livery, which featured a bold black and gold color scheme. This livery was a staple of the Lotus team during the 1970s and 1980s, and it has since become an iconic part of F1 history.

The 98T was driven by none other than Ayrton Senna, who would go on to become one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. Senna’s success with the 98T was nothing short of phenomenal, as he took the car to five pole positions and three podiums during the 1986 season.

### Chassis 98T-3: A Rare Opportunity

Chassis 98T-3 is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to get their hands on a piece of F1 history. This car has been meticulously restored to its original condition, and it is expected to fetch between $9.5 million and $12 million at auction.

The 98T-3 is a highly sought-after car, as it is one of only four chassis that were used by Lotus during the 1986 season. The car has been extensively documented, and its history is well-documented.

### A Legacy that Lives On

The 1986 Lotus 98T is a car that embodies the spirit of F1’s golden era. Its innovative design, powerful engine, and iconic livery make it a true classic. The 98T’s legacy lives on, as it continues to inspire new generations of F1 drivers and enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting to build your collection, the 1986 Lotus 98T is a car that is sure to impress. Its rich history, stunning design, and incredible performance make it a true masterpiece of F1 engineering.

### Additional Details

* Engine: 1.5-liter V6 Renault
* Power: 900 horsepower
* Top speed: 242 mph
* 0-100 km/h: 3.2 seconds
* Weight: 690 kg
* Dimensions: Length: 4.4m, Width: 1.8m, Height: 1.1m
* Chassis: Aluminum and carbon fiber
* Transmission: 6-speed semi-automatic
* Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
* Fuel economy: 10 liters per 100 km

### Description:
The 1986 Lotus 98T is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to get their hands on a piece of F1 history. This car has been meticulously restored to its original condition, and it is expected to fetch between $9.5 million and $12 million at auction. With its innovative design, powerful engine, and iconic livery, the 98T is a true classic that embodies the spirit of F1’s golden era.

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