Lotus Type 97T Show Car

Name: Lotus Type 97T Show Car
Brand: F1 Authentics
SKU: 15943157055869
Availability: InStock

The Return of an Icon

The Official Heritage Show Car, exclusively licensed by Classic Team Lotus, limited to just 10 worldwide.

Looking for something exceptional?

Speak to a specialist about this car.

Lotus
Team: 1985
Year: Lotus SC.97T-XX
Chassis No.: One of Ten
Edition

The Lotus Legacy

More than 30 years after its last appearance, Team Lotus remains one of the most successful Grand Prix teams of all time, recording 74 race victories, 165 podium finishes, 102 pole positions and 65 fastest laps. The team became the first constructor to achieve 50 GP victories, achieving this feat ahead of Ferrari, despite entering the grid seven years after the Scuderia had won their first race.

Notable drivers to have competed for the team throughout the years include Jim Clark, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mario Andretti, Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt, Jacky Ickx, Nigel Mansell, Elio De Angelis, Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, Johnny Herbert, Mika Häkkinen and Alessandro Zanardi.

The Black & Gold Legend Begins Again

The 97T realised Team Lotus’ return to the winner’s circle three years after the passing of Colin Chapman. Team Lotus would define an era of the sport, winning seven Formula One Constructors’ Championships and six Drivers’ Championships.

For the 1985 season, Elio De Angelis, who raced more Grands Prix for Team Lotus than any other driver, was joined by the promising Ayrton Senna. The 97T achieved seven pole positions across the 16-race season. Wins included Estoril, where Senna won his first Grand Prix by more than one minute, Imola as De Angelis secured two in a row, and Spa-Francorchamps as Senna added a third notable victory.

Officially Accredited, Meticulously Finished

The Lotus 97T is remembered for its combination of success and beauty. Chassis 97T-2 realised the defining victory at Estoril and has been preserved exactly as it finished by the Chapman family. Now, the legend of the 97T is reborn in the form of this limited-edition masterpiece.

The 97T Show Car has been developed using official Team Lotus design information and heritage reference data. Built using the same materials and original construction technologies – minus the powertrain. Curated and supported by individuals who worked on the original car, utilising hand-drawn drawings and original build documents, bringing first-hand knowledge and authenticity to the engineering, build and final execution. This recreation of the Lotus 97T is so faithful that each of the 10 cars will be recognised by individual chassis plates to be formally identified and uniquely registered within the Classic Team Lotus archive.

Custodians of Heritage

Classic Team Lotus is the official custodian of the storied Team Lotus heritage, preserving and promoting the legacy of one of Formula 1’s most innovative and successful teams from 1954 to 1994. It continues to be family owned by Clive Chapman, the son of Colin Chapman and works to protect the accuracy, provenance, and story behind the cars that shaped the sport.

A history-making car for serious collectors, the 97T is instantly recognisable. Iconic livery, iconic moment, iconic drivers. For Formula 1 collectors, it is one of the most emotionally resonant and historically significant cars of the era.

Official F1® Licensed PartnerAuthorised by Formula 1® and the teams.

Guaranteed AuthenticityMeticulously researched and verified

Unrivalled ProvenanceShow cars and race cars with verified history

Market Leading QualityTrusted by teams, collectors and partners

A Landmark Lotus Livery

John Player maintained its famous black and gold sponsorship and Gérard Ducarouge devised what is considered one of the most beautiful, competitive and historically significant cars to have ever raced. This special opportunity to own an official endorsed Show Car from Classic Team Lotus is a celebration of one of Formula One’s most famous and most beautiful Grand Prix winning cars.

The 97T proved that Team Lotus was back. The beautiful shape and livery combined with its landmark victories makes it truly iconic. For the first time, you can become part of the story and the proud owner of just one of ten historically accurate cars produced worldwide.

Gallery

Specifications

Dimensions

Length: 4434 mm
Length (without nose): 4000 mm
Width: 2171 mm
Height: 1067 mm

Weight

Weight: 280 kg
Weight distribution: 50% Front / 50% Rear

Find Your CarOur team of experts is available to discuss any car and any special requests that you may have. Speak to a specialist now to share what you are looking for.
Due DiligenceWhen buying heritage cars, a condition report may be requested. Alternatively, we can support in arranging a pre-purchase inspection by a third party. With operational cars, a track test can be arranged at the buyer’s cost.
PaymentWe are at your disposal to support with payment options. We support electronic bank transfer, debit and credit card payments and can offer bespoke payment plans suited to your needs.
TransportOur team has longstanding experience regarding global trade and single seater car transport. We will provide a bespoke shipping quote tailored to your particular needs and location.

Speak to a Specialist

Our specialists source the rarest cars in Formula 1®. Tell us what you are looking for.

Angel Marco

Race Car Specialist

With a background in motorsport engineering and a lifelong love of racing Angel is happy to support in sourcing, restoring or selling your cars.

Trusted by collectors worldwide

Thank you to the F1 Authentics team for helping me sell my car and recognise its true market value. I look forward to dealing with you again if I ever sell the new one.

Private Collector

As a race car collector, the ultimate goal was always to own a Formula 1 car. I cannot thank the team at F1 Authentics enough for their advice and guidance.

Private Collector

To say I own a modern F1 car has been a dream and the reason I do what I do. Thank you to the team for helping me achieve this!

Motorsport Business Owner

Opening the garage and seeing a Red Bull car will never get old. Being able to share this with my kids makes it event better. Thank you to Phil and the team for making the impossible a reality.

Private collector

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these cars officially licensed?

Yes. Our officially licensed Show Cars are created in partnership with Formula 1® and the respective Formula One teams, with exceptional attention to the design, detailing and finish of the original car.

For heritage and race-used cars, provenance and authenticity are carefully researched and verified by our specialists.

Where can I find the full specification?

Key specifications, dimensions and details are presented on each individual car page. For further technical information, provenance, condition reports or specific requirements, our specialists are available to provide additional documentation and discuss the car with you personally.

How can I confirm availability?

Our collection includes exceptionally limited Show Cars, historic Race Cars and privately sourced examples, with availability subject to change.

To confirm the current status of a particular car, please submit an enquiry. A dedicated specialist will discuss availability, lead times and the next steps for acquisition with you.

Do you sell real Formula 1® cars as well as show cars?

Yes. Alongside our officially licensed Show Cars, we offer genuine Formula 1® cars, from factory-built rolling chassis to cars that competed in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Some are offered privately and availability changes, so please speak to a specialist about what is available now.

What's the difference between a real F1® car and a show car?

A real Formula 1® car is a chassis built by the team to race or test. It carries its own history: the drivers, the circuits and often many of the components it ran with. Some are rolling chassis and a few are still in running order.

A Show Car is a full-scale replica of the race car, made for display rather than the track. It has no engine or gearbox and is built to match the look and detail of the car on the grid, with features such as carbon fibre components, official Pirelli tyres and functional steering on our latest models. That makes it the natural choice for a private collection, a gallery, a showroom or a hospitality space.

Are the F1® show cars full size?

Yes. Our Show Cars are full-scale replicas of the race cars they represent. A specialist can confirm the exact dimensions of any car and advise on space, access and installation for your location.

Do you ship Formula 1® cars internationally?

Yes. We deliver worldwide. Our team has longstanding experience in global trade and single-seater car transport, and will provide a bespoke shipping quote for your car and location. Import duties and local taxes vary by destination, and your specialist will talk you through what applies.