- Chassis 98T-3 was raced by Ayrton Senna in the 1986 F1 season.
- Its 1.5-litre turbo V6 produced about 671kW in race trim and nearly 895kW in qualifying.
- RM Sotheby’s estimates the car could achieve around NZ$20 million at auction.
A Formula One car driven and raced to victory by Ayrton Senna is set to cross the auction block in March, and it could become the most expensive Lotus ever sold.
The car in question is a 1986 Lotus 98T, chassis 98T-3, campaigned by Senna during the first half of that season. Wearing the iconic black and gold John Player Special colours, it represents one of the defining machines of the turbocharged era.
RM Sotheby’s estimates the car could fetch up to US$12 million (around NZ$20 million) when bidding opens.
Turbo era excess
The 98T was built for the 1986 Formula One World Championship and powered by a Renault 1.5-litre turbocharged V6. In race specification, output was around 671kW.
For qualifying, boost was turned up dramatically, pushing power towards 895kW, all delivered to the rear wheels.
Even by the outrageous standards of mid-1980s F1, those numbers were extreme. Drivers wrestled with huge turbo lag, explosive power delivery and minimal electronic assistance. In Senna’s hands, the 98T proved devastatingly effective.
With this chassis, Senna secured two race wins, five pole positions and three additional podium finishes during the 1986 season. It was his second year with Lotus, before his move to McLaren cemented his place in Formula 1 folklore.
Fully operational survivor
Importantly, this isn’t a static showpiece. Unlike some former grand prix cars that have been stripped of original powertrains, this example retains its Renault V6 and remains fully operational.
According to RM Sotheby’s, the car was acquired directly from Lotus in 1988.
Since then, it has passed through several prominent motorsport collections. The current owner, who has held it since 2016, commissioned a detailed restoration by Lanzante.
That combination of documented race history, original mechanicals and working condition is likely to drive interest among collectors.
Black and gold legend
The Lotus 98T is inseparable from its era. The John Player Special livery, sharp-edged bodywork and towering rear wing define the look of 1980s Formula One. Add Senna’s name to the chassis plate and the appeal multiplies.
Few racing cars carry such a direct link to one of the sport’s most revered drivers. If the estimate holds, this 98T could set a new benchmark for Lotus values, and offer a reminder of just how wild F1 once was.
