1:18 Minichamps Lotus Honda 99T 1987 Ayrton Senna 540871812

Immerse yourself in the glory days of Formula 1 with the 1:18 scale Minichamps Lotus Honda 99T, a replica of the iconic car driven by Ayrton Senna in 1987. The model boasts meticulous attention to detail, featuring the vibrant yellow livery that adorned the actual racing machine, with the MINICHAMPS brand ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship. With item number 540871812, this collector's piece encapsulates the spirit of the race series in a single, beautifully constructed model. The authenticity extends to the replication of the racing team's emblem and the vehicle make, faithfully representing the Lotus Honda heritage in a display-worthy format.

Ah, the Lotus Honda 99T — one of the most iconic cars in Formula 1 history, especially because it was driven by Ayrton Senna during the 1987 season. Here's a quick breakdown of what made it special:

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Lotus 99T – Key Facts

• Season: 1987 Formula 1 World Championship

• Driver: Ayrton Senna (teammate Satoru Nakajima)

• Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged Honda RA166E V6

• Team: Camel Team Lotus-Honda

• Chassis: Carbon fibre and Kevlar composite monocoque

• Suspension: Pioneered active suspension – this was a key feature!

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🔧 Performance & Legacy

• Wins: 2 (Monaco and Detroit) – both driven to victory by Senna

• Pole Positions: 1 (San Marino)

• Championship Standing: Senna finished 3rd in the Drivers' Championship

• Notable Trait: Its active suspension system allowed better handling on bumpy street circuits like Monaco and Detroit — and Senna absolutely thrived on that.

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 Why It Mattered

• It was the last car Senna drove for Lotus before moving to McLaren in 1988.

• The combination of Senna's raw skill and the emerging tech like active suspension gave fans a glimpse of the future of F1.

• Also — the Camel-yellow livery with black Lotus/Honda branding is pure nostalgia for F1 lovers.

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