Team Essex Racing, 1980 Lotus 81 Ground Effect F1

HTP

The first of only five Lotus 81 ever built and competed in 11 World Championship Grand Prix between 1980 and 1981, carrying the famous Team Essex Lotus Racing livery and was driven by Mario Andretti, Elio De Angelis and Nigel Mansell.

Piloted by not one, but two Formula 1 World Champions, securing the highest place finish of the 1980 season for Team Lotus, with 2nd place at the 1980 Brazilian Grand Prix for Elio De Angelis.

Driven by the second of its two World Champion drivers (or Champion-to-be at that point), Nigel Mansell in the 1981 Belgium Grand Prix. He held off Gilles Villleneuve in the Ferrari to take 3rd place and with that his first ever podium in Formula 1.

Retained in the ownership of Team Lotus from new until purchased by its current, and only private owner, in 2016. Recommissioned by Classic Team Lotus and run by them, and then OC Racing, this has been a competitive feature in both the 2018 and 2022 Monaco Historic Grand Prix as well with the popular Masters Historic Formula 1 Series.

With its Cosworth DFV engine being refreshed by TMAX Engines as we speak, in preparation for the 2024 season, and accompanied by up to date FIA HTP papers, fuel tanks and crack testing in date, as well as a comprehensive spares package; this represents an exciting opportunity to be only the second private owner from new. 

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