The Lotus team originally planned to use Chapman’s ambitious twin-chassis Lotus 88 in the 1981 F1 season, but after the car was outlawed, it was rebuilt to become the more conservative 87. Designed by Martin Ogilvie (Chief Designer) and Peter Wright (Aerodynamics) under supervision of Colin Chapman as technical director, the 87 was the first Lotus chassis used carbon fibre and kevlar monocoque. The power was provided by ubiquitous Ford Cosworth DFV. The car was not able to fight for victories, but Lotus drivers Elio de Angelis and Nigel Mansell were regular point scorers. De Angelis had gathered 14 points which placed him on 8th position in the final Drivers’ Championship standings. Mansell was 14th with 8 points.
| Season | Series | Event |
| 1981 | F1WC | Monaco GP |
| Driver | No. | Entrant |
| Elio de Angelis | 11 | Team Essex Lotus |
| Scale | Manufacturer | Collection |
| 1:43 | Spark | |
| Cat. No. | Quality | Rarity |
| S5350 | 
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