This July, the new premium digital auction platform SBX Cars will offer an unprecedented collection of historic Lotus racing cars and automobilia from the iconic John Player Special era. SBX Cars was founded earlier this year by YouTuber Alex Hirschi – better known as Supercar Blondie – who boasts around 115 million followers across social media.
The Black and Gold Collection began in 2020, when ChromeCars founder Kai Niekaulson and Britec Motorsports owner Mike Gensemeyer decided to reunite many of the assets from Lotus’ most successful era in international motor sport.
Lotus’ era of JPS sponsorship began in 1972, and endured until 1986. During this period, the Norfolk-based manufacturer won seven Formula 1 constructors’ titles and six Driver World Championships, while forging the way for technical innovations such as ground effect aerodynamics, carbonfibre and a twin-chassis design philosophy.
The Black and Gold Collection comprises more than 25 lots, which include iconic Formula 1 cars, race-team transporters, a JPS-liveried Cessna 414A aircraft and a gold Lotus Esprit S2 formerly owned by Colin Chapman.
Five of the Formula 1 cars for sale were recently seen in action at the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco on May 10-12, 2024. Three of the five cars secured podium finishes: the Lotus 77 and Lotus 87 both came second, while the Lotus 92 bagged third.
The most recent racing car offered in the collection is the 2012 Lotus Lola B12/80 LMP2 car that qualified in 31st place for the Le Mans 24 Hours. Unfortunately, the car retired from the contest with a transmission problem.
