Tameo - Lotus 99T Honda San Marino/Monaco G.P 1987 1:43 - Ayrton Senna & Satoru Nakajima

Tameo - Lotus 99T Honda San Marino/Monaco G.P 1987 1:43 - Ayrton Senna & Satoru Nakajima – Model Kit to Assemble

Relive a remarkable chapter in Formula 1 history with the Tameo Kits SLK 086, a detailed 1:43 scale replica of the legendary Lotus Honda 99T, driven by Ayrton Senna and Satoru Nakajima during the 1987 Formula 1 World Championship.

Representing the Camel Team Lotus, this model captures the unmistakable yellow and blue racing livery of the Lotus 99T, featuring the iconic Camel and Honda sponsorship markings. It commemorates the 1987 Monaco Grand Prix, where Ayrton Senna secured a historic victory, marking the beginning of his extraordinary relationship with the streets of Monte Carlo.

The Lotus 99T – A Revolution in Formula 1 Engineering

The Lotus 99T was introduced for the 1987 Formula 1 season and represented one of the most technologically advanced racing cars of its era. Designed under the leadership of Gérard Ducarouge, the car incorporated innovative engineering solutions that distinguished it from its competitors.

One of its most remarkable features was its computer-controlled active suspension system. Developed through years of research by Lotus, this technology continuously adjusted the suspension to maintain an optimized ride height and improve aerodynamic performance.

By controlling the car's movements under acceleration, braking, and cornering, the active suspension helped maintain a more consistent aerodynamic platform. This allowed the Lotus 99T to generate more predictable downforce and improve stability on demanding circuits.

The car was powered by a 1.5-liter Honda V6 turbocharged engine, delivering exceptional performance and making Lotus a serious competitor throughout the championship.

Another defining characteristic was its striking Camel yellow and blue livery, which replaced the traditional black and gold John Player Special colors associated with Lotus during the previous decade.

The combination of advanced suspension technology, Honda turbo power, and innovative aerodynamic development made the Lotus 99T one of the most memorable Formula 1 cars of the 1980s.

The Drivers – Ayrton Senna and Satoru Nakajima

Ayrton Senna – Car #12

Ayrton Senna entered the 1987 season as one of the most promising talents in Formula 1. After two seasons with Team Lotus, the Brazilian driver continued developing his reputation as an exceptional qualifier and one of the most talented racers of his generation.

Driving the Lotus 99T, Senna demonstrated remarkable skill throughout the championship, particularly on demanding street circuits where precision and car control were essential.

His greatest achievements of the season came at the Monaco and Detroit Grands Prix, where he secured two consecutive victories. These performances helped him finish third in the 1987 Drivers' Championship with 57 points.

The Monaco victory was especially significant, as it marked Senna's first win at the legendary street circuit and the beginning of a remarkable record of six Monaco Grand Prix victories throughout his career.

Satoru Nakajima – Car #11

Japanese driver Satoru Nakajima joined Team Lotus in 1987, becoming the first Japanese driver to compete full-time in the Formula 1 World Championship.

His arrival was closely connected to Honda's growing involvement in Formula 1 and its partnership with Lotus. Before making his debut, Nakajima had extensive experience testing Honda engines and competing in Japanese motorsport categories.

Driving alongside Senna, Nakajima faced the challenge of adapting to the demanding Lotus 99T and its sophisticated active suspension system.

Despite being a newcomer to Formula 1, he demonstrated determination and consistency, scoring seven championship points during the 1987 season.

His participation also played an important role in increasing the popularity of Formula 1 in Japan, helping introduce a new generation of Japanese fans to the sport.

The 1987 Formula 1 Season – A Technological Battle

The 1987 Formula 1 World Championship was an important period of technological development, with teams exploring advanced aerodynamic solutions, increasingly powerful turbocharged engines, and sophisticated suspension systems.

Lotus faced strong competition from Williams, McLaren, Ferrari, and other established teams. Williams, also powered by Honda engines, proved particularly competitive with its FW11B.

Despite the challenges, the Lotus 99T achieved two important victories with Ayrton Senna, demonstrating the potential of its innovative engineering.

Senna finished third in the Drivers' Championship with 57 points, while Lotus secured third place in the Constructors' Championship with 64 points. Nakajima contributed seven points to the team's campaign.

The 1987 season ultimately belonged to Nelson Piquet and Williams, but Lotus remained one of the most technically interesting teams on the grid.

The 1987 Monaco Grand Prix – Senna's Historic Victory

Held on May 31, 1987, the Monaco Grand Prix took place on the demanding streets of Monte Carlo. Known for its narrow roads, tight corners, and unforgiving barriers, the circuit has always been one of the greatest challenges in Formula 1.

Starting second on the grid behind Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna delivered an outstanding performance, taking the lead and controlling the race over 78 laps.

Senna crossed the finish line first, ahead of Nelson Piquet's Williams Honda, securing his first Monaco Grand Prix victory.

This achievement was particularly significant because the Lotus 99T became the first Formula 1 car equipped with computer-controlled active suspension to win a Grand Prix.

Satoru Nakajima also completed the race, finishing tenth after 75 laps and gaining valuable experience at one of the most demanding circuits in the championship.

Senna's victory in Monaco marked the beginning of his legendary connection with the principality, where he would eventually establish himself as the most successful driver in the history of the race.

Product Details

• Manufacturer: Tameo Kits

• Product Reference: SLK 086

• Vehicle: Lotus Honda 99T

• Team: Camel Team Lotus

• Race: Monaco Grand Prix 1987

• Circuit: Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo

• Drivers: Ayrton Senna (#12) and Satoru Nakajima (#11)

• Scale: 1:43

• Engine: Honda 1.5-liter V6 Turbo

• Main Body Colors: Camel Yellow and Blue

• Sponsorship Livery: Camel and Honda

• Product Line: SLK SilverLine

• Product Type: White Metal Model Kit

• Assembly Required: Yes

• Recommended for: Model builders, Ayrton Senna fans, and Formula 1 collectors

Kit Features and Components

The Tameo SLK 086 belongs to the manufacturer's SilverLine range, designed to offer detailed 1:43 scale Formula 1 replicas with a more accessible assembly process.

Unlike more sophisticated model kits with removable bodywork and complex mechanical assemblies, the SLK series features a simplified construction approach, making it suitable for both experienced model builders and enthusiasts developing their modeling skills.

The SLK SilverLine kits generally contain approximately 100 components, combining different materials and manufacturing techniques to achieve an accurate miniature reproduction.

The kit includes:

• White metal body and main structural components.

• Photo-etched metal parts for enhanced detailing.

• Small metal components manufactured using precision machining.

• Aluminum and turned brass details.

• Real rubber tires for a realistic appearance.

• Water-slide decals featuring the original racing livery and sponsor markings.

• Full-color assembly instructions.

The SilverLine range combines Tameo's traditional craftsmanship with a construction process designed to make the assembly experience more accessible.

Please note that paints and adhesives are not included and must be purchased separately.

An Essential Addition to Any Formula 1 Collection

The Lotus 99T represents one of the most fascinating chapters in Formula 1 engineering history. Its revolutionary active suspension, Honda turbocharged engine, and distinctive yellow and blue livery make it an unmistakable racing machine from the 1980s.

Its connection to Ayrton Senna's first Monaco Grand Prix victory gives this model additional historical significance, commemorating the beginning of one of the greatest achievements in Formula 1 history.

Whether you are a dedicated Lotus supporter, an Ayrton Senna fan, a Satoru Nakajima enthusiast, or a collector of historic Formula 1 racing cars, the Tameo Kits SLK 086 offers the opportunity to recreate an iconic machine from a remarkable era of motorsport.

Build a piece of Formula 1 history with the legendary Lotus Honda 99T.