Imagine a car that can produce over 1,000bhp, with a turbocharged engine that revs to 12,500rpm and a gearbox that's been specifically designed to cope with the extra grunt. Sounds like science fiction, right? But welcome to the world of Formula One in the 1980s, where the turbo era reached its pinnacle and cars like the Lotus 98T became the stuff of legend. The 98T, driven by Ayrton Senna during his three-year stint with the team, is one of the most successful cars in F1 history. With five pole positions, two wins, and three further podiums in the first half of the season, it's a car that embodies the spirit of competition and innovation. And now, it's coming up for sale at RM Sotheby's, with an estimated price tag of £7m - £9m. But what makes this car so special? For starters, it's the engine. The EF15B, a 1.5-litre turbo ...
Imagine a car that can produce over 1,000bhp, with a turbocharged engine that revs to 12,500rpm and a gearbox that’s been specifically designed to cope with the extra grunt. Sounds like science fiction, right? But welcome to the world of Formula One in the 1980s, where the turbo era reached its pinnacle and cars like the Lotus 98T became the stuff of legend.
The 98T, driven by Ayrton Senna during his three-year stint with the team, is one of the most successful cars in F1 history. With five pole positions, two wins, and three further podiums in the first half of the season, it’s a car that embodies the spirit of competition and innovation. And now, it’s coming up for sale at RM Sotheby’s, with an estimated price tag of £7m – £9m.
But what makes this car so special? For starters, it’s the engine. The EF15B, a 1.5-litre turbo V6 from Renault, produces a staggering 900bhp in its more reliable race trim. And in qualifying, it’s said to have made over 1,200bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines in F1 history.
But it’s not just the engine that makes the 98T special. The car itself is a masterpiece of design and engineering, with a chassis that’s been meticulously restored to its former glory. And with its iconic John Player Special livery, it’s a car that’s sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
So, if you’re looking to own a piece of F1 history, the Lotus 98T is certainly a car that’s worth considering. With its incredible performance, stunning design, and rich racing heritage, it’s a car that’s sure to be a showstopper at any car auction.
COMMENTS