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RM Sotheby's Lists Ayrton Senna's 1986 Lotus 98T-3 for Sealed-Bid Auction at $9.5M–$12M

The fully restored, provenance-documented chassis is presented as a track-ready example of the turbo era.

Overview

  • Bidding opens March 4 in RM Sotheby’s sealed-bid format for the Senna-driven 98T-3.
  • Senna took two Grand Prix victories in this car—United States and Spain in 1986—plus five poles and three further podiums.
  • The 98T-3 is one of four 98T chassis and the final Team Lotus F1 car to wear the John Player Special livery.
  • RM Sotheby’s says the car’s restoration and provenance are fully documented, with recent work reported at Lanzante, and it is described as ready to run.
  • Power came from Renault’s 1.5-liter EF15B V6, estimated around 900 hp in race trim and well over 1,000 hp in qualifying, reflecting period practices with short-life high-boost engines.