【Grand Prix Collection】The Legendary F1 Car That Made History in 1987 – Lotus Honda 99T – Now Available as a Plastic Model! Faithfully Recreates Even the Smallest Details Like the Turbo Unit!

In 1987, a machine was introduced that left a deep mark on F1 history: the Lotus Honda 99T. It wasn’t just a fast car—it was a machine equipped with cutting-edge technology that felt ahead of its time. The most talked-about feature was the “active suspension,” an innovative hydraulic system that controlled the car’s movement—an unprecedented advancement in the F1 world. Behind this was not just a desire to win, but Lotus's spirit of pushing technological limits in the arena of F1. At its core was Honda’s 1.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, reputed to deliver over 1000 horsepower—a testament to how it exceeded the technological standards of its era.

Now you can enjoy this legendary car at home with the “1/20 Lotus Honda 99T Grand Prix Collection No.20.” The greatest appeal of this model is that as you build it, you recreate the atmosphere of F1 in 1987. Measuring 208mm in length and 106mm in width, it’s neither too small nor too large—an ideal scale that’s easy to handle, with impressive detail throughout. For example, the engine area faithfully replicates the turbo unit, intercooler, and radiator components. The body cowling is also removable, just like the real car, allowing you to appreciate the internal structure even after completion. Additionally, the suspension arms made of ABS resin not only look accurate but also offer strength during assembly, making the building process itself a joy.

There’s another story tied to the 99T that cannot be overlooked—the F1 debut of Japanese driver Satoru Nakajima. In 1987, he became the first Japanese driver to compete full-time in F1 as a regular driver for Lotus, bringing hope to motorsports fans in Japan. Until then, Nakajima had been testing Honda's F1 engines in Japan while juggling intense schedules in F2 and F3000, before finally stepping onto the world stage. Behind this debut was not only Honda’s full support but also Lotus’s deep admiration for Honda’s engine performance. The moment when Lotus, which already had the genius driver Ayrton Senna, integrated Japanese talent and technology marked a profoundly symbolic event in Japanese F1 history.

This model is more than just a collector’s item. Each part embodies the passion of the engineers and drivers of the time. And for us who assemble it, it brings back the excitement of F1 in 1987 as if it were happening today. The joy of building a legendary machine with your own hands—one passed down through generations—is a luxurious experience that lasts not only at the moment of completion, but throughout the entire process. If you’re interested, be sure to experience its charm for yourself.