One of the most iconic cars in Formula One history, the Lotus 98T driven by Ayrton Senna during the 1986 season, is set to be sold at auction. RM Sotheby’s has confirmed that Chassis 98T-3, the car Senna used to claim a dramatic victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, will be offered through its sealed-bid platform in March.
The car carries a pre-sale estimate of between $9.5 mln and $12 mln, a figure that could set a new auction record for a Lotus Formula One machine.
The Peak of the Turbo Era
The Lotus 98T stands as one of the defining machines of Formula One’s turbocharged era, a time marked by extreme power and minimal regulation. Fitted with a Renault EF15B 1.5-litre V6 turbo engine, the car was capable of producing more than 1,000 horsepower in qualifying trim. These short-lived high-boost settings earned the nickname «grenade mode» due to the engines’ limited lifespan at full output.
The car also holds cultural importance as the final Lotus to race in the black-and-gold John Player Special livery. For many fans, the contrast of Senna’s yellow helmet against the dark Lotus remains one of the most enduring images of 1980s Grand Prix racing.
A Car with a Winning Record
Unlike many Formula One cars that reach the auction market, Chassis 98T-3 has an extensive and verified competition history. Senna raced this chassis in eight Grands Prix during the 1986 season, achieving:
- Two Grand Prix wins: Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez and the Detroit Grand Prix
- Five pole positions: highlighting Senna’s exceptional qualifying speed
- Three podium finishes: against dominant rivals from Williams and McLaren
Its most famous moment came at Jerez, where Senna held off Nigel Mansell’s Williams to win by just 0.014 seconds, one of the closest finishes ever recorded in Formula One.
A spokesperson for RM Sotheby’s said the car represents a rare convergence of factors, combining a legendary driver, one of the sport’s most recognisable liveries and the most extreme engine era in Formula One history.
Collector Demand and Market Trends
Interest in historic Formula One cars has surged in recent years, particularly those driven by Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, which have regularly sold for eight-figure sums. Senna’s cars, however, are widely regarded as the most desirable among collectors.
While his 1993 McLaren MP4/8 sold for €4.1 mln in 2018, the rarity of a John Player Special Lotus and its role in shaping Senna’s legacy as a future world champion underpin the ambitious valuation. A sale at the top end of the estimate would place the car among the most expensive Formula One cars ever sold publicly.
Auction Information
The Lotus is being offered from a private UK collection, where it has been kept for the past decade. It has recently undergone a full restoration and remains in running condition.
- Auction house: RM Sotheby’s
- Sale format: Sealed online bidding
- Bidding opens: March 4, 2026
- Bidding closes: March 11, 2026
With renewed global interest in Senna’s legacy, the sale presents a rare opportunity for a collector to acquire not just a historic racing car, but a defining symbol of one of Formula One’s greatest drivers.
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