The Lotus 98T, also known as the Lotus 98, was a Formula One car designed by Gerard Ducarouge and built by Team Lotus for the 1986 Formula One season. The car was powered by a 1.5L turbocharged Renault EF15B V6 engine, which produced around 1,200 horsepower in qualifying trim.
The Lotus 98 was driven by legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna during the 1986 season. Senna had joined Team Lotus in 1985 and quickly established himself as one of the top drivers in Formula One. In 1986, he won two races in the Lotus 98T, including the Spanish Grand Prix and the Detroit Grand Prix.
The Lotus 98T was known for its distinctive black and gold livery, which was a nod to the team's long-standing sponsorship deal with John Player Special cigarettes. The car featured a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a low-slung nose and large rear wing to maximize downforce.
Despite its impressive performance, the Lotus 98T was not without its flaws. The car was notoriously difficult to drive, with a twitchy and unpredictable handling characteristic that required a skilled driver like Senna to tame. Additionally, the Renault engine was prone to reliability issues, which hampered the team's results throughout the season.
Overall, the Lotus 98T was a competitive and iconic Formula One car that helped solidify Ayrton Senna's reputation as one of the greatest drivers in the sport's history. The car's striking design and powerful engine made it a fan favorite, and it remains a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts to this day.
1:18 | Racing | GP Replicas
The Lotus 76 was a Formula One car designed by Lotus for the 1974 and 1975 Formula One seasons. The car was designed by Colin Chapman and his team at Lotus, with the goal of challenging the dominant Ferrari and McLaren teams.
The Lotus 76 featured several innovative design features, including a wedge-shaped aerodynamic design, side-mounted radiators, and a streamlined cockpit. The car was powered by a 3.0-liter Ford Cosworth DFV V8 engine, which produced around 475 horsepower.
In 1975, Lotus entered two Lotus 76 cars in the Formula One World Championship, with drivers Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx behind the wheel. Peterson drove the #1 car, while Ickx drove the #2 car.
Unfortunately, the Lotus 76 was not as successful as hoped, with both Peterson and Ickx struggling to compete with the dominant Ferrari and McLaren teams. The car suffered from reliability issues and was ultimately unable to challenge for the championship.
Despite its lack of success, the Lotus 76 remains an iconic car in Formula One history, thanks to its innovative design and the talent of drivers like Ronnie Peterson. The car represents a significant chapter in the history of Lotus and Colin Chapman's legacy in Formula One.
1:18 | Racing | GP Replicas
The Lotus 49 was a Formula One car designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe for the Lotus team in 1967. It was powered by the Cosworth DFV engine, which was a revolutionary design at the time. The car featured a monocoque chassis, inboard suspension, and aerodynamic wings, making it one of the most advanced cars of its era.
The Lotus 49 made its debut at the Dutch Grand Prix in 1967, where it was driven by Jim Clark and Graham Hill. Clark went on to win the race, marking the first victory for the Lotus 49 and the Cosworth DFV engine.
The car's most famous victory came at the British Grand Prix in 1967, where Jim Clark drove chassis number R2 to victory. Clark dominated the race, leading from start to finish and setting the fastest lap of the race. This victory solidified the Lotus 49's reputation as a competitive and innovative car.
Overall, the Lotus 49 had a successful racing career, winning a total of 12 Grand Prix races and two Constructors' Championships in 1968 and 1970. It was also the first Formula One car to feature the iconic red, gold, and white livery of the Gold Leaf Tobacco sponsorship.
The Lotus 49 is considered a classic and iconic Formula One car, and its success helped establish Lotus as one of the top teams in the sport. Jim Clark's victory at the British Grand Prix in 1967 in the Lotus 49 will always be remembered as one of the car's greatest moments.
1:18 | Racing | GP Replicas
The Lotus 72E #1, driven by Ronnie Peterson, was a Formula One racing car that competed in the 1974 season. The car was designed and built by the British racing team Lotus, under the direction of legendary engineer Colin Chapman.
The Lotus 72E was an evolution of the successful Lotus 72 model, which had been introduced in 1970. The 72E featured several updates and improvements over its predecessor, including a redesigned nose cone, improved aerodynamics, and a revised suspension system.
Ronnie Peterson, a Swedish racing driver, piloted the Lotus 72E #1 during the 1974 season. Peterson was known for his aggressive driving style and exceptional talent behind the wheel. He had previously driven for teams such as March and Tyrrell before joining Lotus in 1973.
One of the most memorable moments for the Lotus 72E #1 came at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1974. Ronnie Peterson claimed victory at the prestigious race, showcasing the car's speed and handling capabilities. The win at Monaco was one of Peterson's most significant achievements in his Formula One career.
Overall, the Lotus 72E #1 driven by Ronnie Peterson was a successful and competitive car during the 1974 season. It demonstrated the innovation and engineering prowess of the Lotus team, as well as the skill and talent of Ronnie Peterson as a driver.
