The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024

+ buyer’s premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT) on the first £300,000 of the hammer and 10% plus VAT (12% incl VAT) thereafter 33 The car presented here is a very special 1985 Mercedes-Benz (W201) 190E 2.3-16V Cosworth, as it was one of two examples supplied new to Team Lotus International in 1986, this era being a particularly testing and significant time in the team’s history. The 190E was to be used by the management team and drivers, which included Gérard Ducarouge, the legendary car designer, technical director and the figure credited with saving Team Lotus, plus Johnny Dumfries and Ayrton Senna, as drivers. Iconic Auctioneers have it on very good authority, directly from Gérard Ducarouge (before he died in 2015), that he clearly recalled the car, spoke highly of it and stated that it was very much used by all team members at this time. Team Lotus had once stood as the dominant force in Formula 1, achieving victory in 71 World Championship races over 19 seasons. However, by the 1986 season, the team was grappling with the loss of its visionary founder. They were striving to provide their star driver, Ayrton Senna, with a competitive car amidst challenging circumstances. The 98T was the answer and a car that was born in the context of the 1986 F1 regulations, unrestricted by boost limitations, qualifying engines surged past 1,000bhp - the highest power outputs recorded in F1 history. The 1986 season represented the pinnacle of the V6 Turbo Era, defined by adrenaline-fueled racing where wheelspin was commonplace even in fifth gear, and qualifying engines were pushed to their limits - sometimes melting as they returned to the pits. Lotus constructed only four 98T cars for the 1986 season, designated chassis numbers one through four. Senna drove chassis #4 in the final eight races, including the legendary Australian Grand Prix, forever etched in F1 history for its dramatic conclusion. This actual 190E was right in the heart of the action at this time, conveying significant team members to meetings, races and no doubt to the social occasions for which the mid-1980s were famous. This early ownership (Team Lotus subsequently sold on the 190E in March 1989 – according to a Team Lotus headed note-paper invoice, in the car’s history file) ensured the car was dutifully cared for, as you’d expect from an F1 team. It has gone on to have a few more enthusiast-owners over the years, each maintaining it to a high level. It is accompanied by a full-service history that includes old bills, MOTs and tax discs. More recently, in December 2020, the car has had its floors, sills and wheel arches repaired professionally. Overall, this is a very good and solid example that is presented in excellent condition, belying its 130,000 miles and is also reported to be running and driving extremely well. This is a unique opportunity to purchase a 190E Cosworth with significant Team Lotus history, a time when the motorsport legend, Senna, was making his way in F1 and this car was there to witness it. Smart Obsidian Black Cosworth-powered 190E, ex-Lotus F1 management car from the Senna era. Registration: C502 BEX Chassis No.: 2010342F148553 Estimate: £30,000 - £35,000 Specialist: Joseph Watts Telephone No: 07779 082707 Lot 126 1985 Mercedes-Benz (W201) 190E 2.3-16V Cosworth - Ex-Team Lotus More Details Lot 126 Bid On Lot 126