Senna and Piquet Lotus cars arrive at the Museum of Caramulo

The Caramulo Museum will open its new "Fórmula Mágica" (Magic Formula) exhibition this Saturday, July 18. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, it is considered the largest Formula 1 exhibition ever held in Portugal, bringing together around 30 historic Formula 1 cars alongside dozens of original motorsport artefacts.

Among the main attractions are the Lotus 97T driven by Ayrton Senna and the Lotus 100T driven by Nelson Piquet, two iconic cars raced by the Brazilian three-time Formula 1 World Champions, both of which will be displayed in Portugal for the first time.

Two Lotus cars that shaped Formula 1 history

The exhibition's biggest highlight is the Lotus 97T, the car in which Ayrton Senna claimed his first Formula 1 victory at the unforgettable 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix, held in torrential rain at the Estoril Circuit. Powered by a Renault turbocharged V6 engine producing around 800 hp in race trim, it marked the beginning of the Brazilian legend's remarkable Formula 1 career.

Alongside it is the Lotus 100T, driven by Nelson Piquet during the 1988 Formula 1 season. Equipped with a Honda RA168E turbocharged V6 engine producing approximately 685 hp in race specification, it represents Lotus' final turbo-powered Formula 1 car and forms an important part of another three-time World Champion's career.

Schumacher, Fittipaldi and other Formula 1 legends

Beyond the two Lotus cars, visitors will also be able to admire several iconic Formula 1 machines, including Nigel Mansell's Williams FW14, the Williams FW16, Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F2005, Emerson Fittipaldi's Copersucar FD04, as well as cars from Benetton, Jordan and Sauber.

The exhibition also features helmets, race suits, steering wheels, engines, trophies, photographs and original memorabilia linked to legendary Formula 1 drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Niki Lauda, James Hunt and Gilles Villeneuve.

A journey through 75 years of Formula 1

Spread across two museum buildings, the exhibition offers visitors an immersive journey through Formula 1 history, showcasing some of the sport's most significant cars and historic artefacts. Driving simulators and interactive displays are also part of the experience.

"Fórmula Mágica" will be open at the Caramulo Museum from 18 July to 18 October 2026.

Interestingly, several of the Formula 1 legends represented in this exhibition also lend their names to Benecar's themed exhibition areas. Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, Juan Manuel Fangio e Nino Farina are permanently honoured throughout the company's exhibition spaces. For many Benecar visitors, these names are already familiar; now they can also be associated with some of the most iconic Formula 1 cars and historic artefacts gathered at the Caramulo Museum.

Sources: Museu do Caramulo, The Portugal News, SIC