1986 Lotus 98T Formula One Steering Wheel, Signed and Race-Used
John Player Special Team Lotus – United States Grand Prix, Detroit, 22 June 1986
AYRTON SENNA (1960–1994)
A rare and historically significant signed steering wheel from Ayrton Senna's 1986 John Player Special Lotus 98T Formula One car, accompanied by an original Team Lotus Certificate of Authenticity dated 5 February 1988.
An exceptional piece of Formula One memorabilia associated with one of the sport's most celebrated drivers, this original MOMO three-spoke steering wheel is accompanied by a period Certificate of Authenticity issued by John Player Team Lotus, confirming its use by Ayrton Senna during the United States Grand Prix at Detroit on 22 June 1986.
The black suede-covered steering wheel features the distinctive gold MOMO lettering and central Lotus insignia, together with red and green control buttons and a coiled electrical connection. The lower spoke bears a gold-coloured signature attributed to Ayrton Senna, accompanied by the number 12, his competition number during the 1986 Formula One World Championship.
The wheel is presented within a glazed black display frame alongside its original Team Lotus Certificate of Authenticity, separately mounted in a wood-effect frame. The certificate, headed John Player Team Lotus, identifies the item as a "Lotus 98T Steering Wheel" and expressly states that it was used at the United States Grand Prix, Detroit, USA, on 22 June 1986, naming Ayrton Senna as the driver.
Dated 5 February 1988, the certificate bears a signature on behalf of Team Lotus and records the team's contemporary address at Philip Ford Way, Wymondham, Norwich, Norfolk, England.
Historical Significance
The 1986 season represents a defining chapter in Ayrton Senna's extraordinary career. Driving the iconic black-and-gold John Player Special Lotus 98T, powered by the formidable turbocharged Renault V6 engine, Senna established himself among Formula One's most gifted and formidable competitors.
The Detroit Grand Prix of 22 June 1986 was particularly significant. Starting from pole position, Senna delivered a commanding performance through the demanding streets of Detroit to secure victory, his second win of the 1986 season.
The present steering wheel is therefore associated with a celebrated Grand Prix victory, offering a tangible connection to Senna's remarkable precision, car control and competitive brilliance during his formative years at the pinnacle of international motor racing.
Provenance
Accompanied by a John Player Team Lotus Certificate of Authenticity dated 5 February 1988, identifying the steering wheel as having been used by Ayrton Senna at the 1986 United States Grand Prix, Detroit.
The certificate is signed on behalf of Team Lotus.
Condition and Presentation
The steering wheel displays visible signs of age and use consistent with its stated period, including light wear to the suede covering and minor surface marks to the central spokes. The gold-coloured signature remains visible.
Presented in a substantial glazed display frame, with the certificate mounted alongside the wheel, creating an impressive and historically evocative presentation.
Catalogue Note
Few objects capture the immediacy of Formula One competition quite like a driver's steering wheel. As the principal point of physical contact between driver and machine, it represents an intimate and evocative artefact from the cockpit.
Associated with Senna's victory on the streets of Detroit in 1986, this signed Lotus 98T steering wheel brings together three particularly desirable elements of Grand Prix collecting: a legendary driver, an iconic racing car and documentary evidence identifying a specific race.
The combination of its period Team Lotus certification, Senna-attributed signature and connection to a victorious Grand Prix makes this a compelling piece of motor racing history and a notable addition to any significant collection of Formula One memorabilia.
