Ayrton Senna’s Team Lotus Honda Dax heading to auction
The tiny ‘monkey bike’ has been used by a number of professional racing drivers.
A 1980 Honda Dax ST70 once used as pit transport by Formula One star Ayrton Senna and several other professional racing drivers is heading to auction.
The ex-Team Lotus ST70 is kitted out in the recognisable JPS livery that was also applied to the team’s race car for the 1985 Formula One Championship. During that year, Senna took his first-ever F1 pole position while fellow Team Lotus driver Elio de Angelis saw good success as well.
In fact, both Senna and Angelis used this particular Dax as transport between the pits and various locations around many F1 circuits.
Prior to its current look, the Dax had been painted in the Essex Wire colours of the then-team sponsor before it gained its JPS livery. Auction house Iconic Auctioneers say that some of these original colours can be seen underneath the bike’s seat, too.
Powered by a 72cc 5.5bhp four-stroke engine, the Honda Dax – often referred to as a ‘Monkey Bike’ – comes with a certificate from Team Lotus stating that as well as its use by Senna and Angelis, it saw action with Nigel Mansell, Mario Andretti and Johnny Dumfries at the controls.
Imported by the team from Monte Carlo, it still wears its original plates and is said to carry just 1,115km on its odometer, or around 693 miles.
It’s set to go under the hammer at the Iconic Sale at MCN London Motorcycle Show on Sunday, February 16 at 11:15 am. It’s accompanied by an estimate of between £6,000 and £8,000.
