Ayrton Senna’s Lotus 97T F1 is Being Recreated Using Archive MaterialMotorBiscuitDarshan ChokhaniTue, September 15, 2026 at 2:44 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleMemento Exclusives with Classic Team Lotus are recreating Ayrton Senna's Lotus 97T using original archive material, but only limited number to be produced.The famous black and gold liveried Lotus 97T F1 car is being recreated by Memento Exclusives and Classic Team Lotus. It is their first heritage edition with a distinction, as it will use original archive material in combination with the latest methodology to prepare the show car.Original Archive Material to be Used in RecreationThe original material includes 'hand drawn designs, original build documents, design information and heritage reference data', for the building process. In fact, there will be mechanics too from 1985, who will help in the rebuild, using same materials used for the original construction.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 10 cars made will have its own chassis plates, which will register them within the Team Lotus archive. The Lotus 97T was designed by Gerard Ducarouge for John Player Special Team Lotus to run in the 1985 F1 season. The car was driven by Senna and Elio de Angelis.Ayrton Senna, Lotus 97T, F1, Team LotusAyrton Senna with Lotus 97T | Photo Credit: Memento ExclusivesHow Did Lotus 97T PerformedThe Lotus 97T picked up three wins in the season, two from Senna – which includes his first-ever F1 win in Portugal – and one from de Angelis. Likewise, it scored nine podiums – six from the Brazilian and three from the Italian.It also scored seven pole positions courtesy Senna and one from de Angelis, to end up fourth in the standings. They were tied on 71 points with Williams. Senna finished fourth in the drivers' standings, while de Angelis was fifth, as McLaren's Alain Prost took the title.Clive Chapman Pleased to Recreate a Historic & Classic F1 CarThe car is not only famous for Senna's first F1 win but also the famous black and gold livery. Team Lotus preserves its historic cars at its original factory in Hethel Norfolk. Its managing director Clive Chapman – son of Colin, who founded the Lotus cars – is pleased to make the show car out the classic machinery.AdvertisementAdvertisement"The interest, excitement and emotion the Lotus 97T generates is extraordinary," said Chapman. "To have it captured forever is exactly what we like to do at Classic Team Lotus – to preserve and to celebrate. That is what this project is going to do."Memento Exclusives is going the extra mile to make something that is really special. We have been impressed with their attention to detail and commitment to make a car of the highest standard and accuracy. I am confident the end result is going to be something we are happy with, that they are proud of and that people will enjoy."