GP-REPLICAS - LOTUS - F1 88B COURAGE ESSEX N 12 SEASON 1981 NIGEL MANSELL - CON VETRINA - WITH SHOWCASE

For 1981, Lotus had designed a revolutionary Formula 1, the 88, with two separate chassis that at least in theory should have optimized aerodynamic flows. The engine was the classic Cosworth V8. The car, however, was judged to be irregular by the international authorities and the 88 was used only in free practice sessions. Lotus then developed a modified version, the 88B, which was supposed to race at the British GP but the technical authorities objected. For the rest of the season, Lotus continued with a more conventional model, the 87.

The 88B was only seen at the British GP at Silverstone, but the car was disqualified by the scrutineers during testing. Nigel Mansell then used the 87 but failed to qualify for the race, achieving the 27th fastest time out of 30 competitors.