F1 Lotus T128, a piece of Formula 1 history up for sale

One of the last V8 F1 cars is for sale, and it’s the Lotus T128 from 2011 season. Rolling chassis of the development car of the english based Team

The story of Lotus/Caterham in Formula 1 was brief, yet it managed to reignite the passion of motorsport enthusiasts around the world. A name that stands for lightness, agility, and power. Values reflected in its compact, colorful shapes and that signature British Racing Green hue which has long defined cars born in that corner of England. While there are ongoing projects aiming to bring the brand back to the top tier of open-wheel racing ( Caterham F1 back in 2027? Yes, that’s the new project), the F1 cars that actually took to the grid remain an indelible part of motorsport history. And today, one of them has just been put up for sale.

Lotus Development car of the 2011 season

The T128 was the team’s second Formula 1 car following its return to the grid in 2010, competing in the 2011 World Championship. Powered by a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated Renault RS27 V8 engine paired with a Red Bull Technology gearbox. It marked a significant leap forward in both performance and technical development for the young team led by Tony Fernandes.

This particular example, chassis no. 02, was used as the team’s official test car throughout the 2011 season. Although it never raced in a Grand Prix, it played a crucial role in the development program, providing valuable data and mileage for the engineers. Later, it was also used for promotional purposes but still wears its original 2011 Team Lotus livery, instantly recognizable to fans of the era.

750hp and NA V8 engine

Tested by race drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli the T128 served as a transitional car that helped establish Lotus, later known as Caterham F1, as a solid midfield contender.
It also stands as a reminder of the final years of Formula 1’s spectacular 750 hp naturally aspirated V8 era, before the arrival of hybrid technology.

The car is currently located in the Netherlands, in the private collection of its previous owner, who has now decided to sell it. Impeccably preserved and maintained in excellent condition, it is ready to pass into the hands of a new enthusiast eager to own a genuine piece of motorsport history.

For more info, visit https://www.racecarsdirect.com/Advert/Details/158810/formula-1-lotus-t128—rolling-chassis