Tag: Ayrton Senna

  • Lotus Esprit by Cam Shaft

    Cam-Shaft-Lotus-Esprit-V8-thumbNews from Cam Shaft. Yes, the company that ruined a rare Veyron with some silly wrapping. This time though, they seem to have done things properly. The car that has gone under the knife is a V8 Lotus Esprit made no earlier than 1996. Its standard output of 354 hp has been revamped, the gearbox has been replaced, the brakes are new and the bodywork serves as a tribute to the late Ayrton Senna.

    The guys at Cam Shaft had a wonderful engine to work with right from the start – twin-turbocharged 3,506 cubic cm of power, 400 Nm of torque and 354 hp. The overall weight of the car amounted to just 1,380 kg which enabled it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 282 km/h – monumental figures for the time.

    By placing a Red Race control device on the car’s computer and by adding Forge adjustable cases inside the turbo compressor pumps, Cam Shaft manage to extract more juice from the Esprit’s V8. The intercooler has also been replaced and two 100-cell structure catalysts have been fitted so that now we have a 492 hp Lotus – quite up to today’s standards. Apparently, tests have shown that the zero-to-hundred time now stands at 4.3 seconds and the top speed stops counting at 305. Needless to say that, considering the new power surge, the gearbox needs to be up to standards as well. That’s why, at Cam Shaft, they have replaced it entirely with a 6-speed Dog-Engagement gearbox equipped with a longer total ratio. The brakes are also been replaced with ones that are bigger and more heat-efficient.

    Finally, the wrapping – a black bodied trim that is pretty much reminiscent to Senna’s John Player Special 97T Formula 1 car. It even has his signature on it. It was the car with which he won his first championship. An honorable way to remember a racing legend.

    Lotus Esprit V8 by Cam Shaft
    Lotus Esprit V8 by Cam Shaft

    Source: Miranda Media

  • Toleman TG184-2 F1 car driven by Ayrton Senna up for auction

    Ayrton Senna is probably the greatest F1 driver of all times. He debuted with a Toleman TG184-2 Formula One car, which is now up for auction at The Spring Sale to be hosted by Silverstone Auctions on 16th May.

    This particular car has become the stuff of legends and is perhaps best known for Senna’s remarkable second place drive in the rain-soaked 1984 Monaco GP, arguably the race which first demonstrated his extraordinary talents to the world.

    “We are thrilled to bring this iconic race car to auction as it’s undoubtedly one of the most important lots we’ve ever offered under the hammer.”, commented Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions.

    “Senna mania is reaching fever pitch and rightly so as he’s considered by many as the greatest F1 driver we’ve ever seen. It goes without saying that this will be one of the star attractions at the sale as it’s a very rare chance to own a much sought after piece of motorsport and Ayrton Senna history.”, Mr. Whale added.

    The TG184-2, which Senna also raced to 3rd in the British and 7th in the Canadian Grand Prix’s, has been in private ownership for the past 16 years, so its sale at open market really is an opportunity not to be missed.

    Silverstone Auctions also sold Senna’s helmet and race suit for £74 750 and £35 650, respectively. Both considerably more than their pre-sale estimates.

    “Excitement is building for the auction which promises to be a must attend sale for any serious collector or motorsport enthusiast. Apart from the Senna F1 car, another notable early entry is a stunning 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, estimated at between £190,000 to £210,000. If these are examples of what’s to follow, then it promises to be quite an event,” finished Nick Whale.

    Toleman TG184-2 F1 - Ayrton-Senna
    Toleman TG184-2 F1 – Ayrton-Senna

    Source: Silverstone Auctions