Lotus F1
Thought I’d share a moment on my favourite all time marques - Lotus (Part 1)
The name Lotus and Colin Anthony Bruce Chapman are as synonymous as Henry Ford and his famous make. Any car enthusiast or racing fan will instantly recognise the car or name as well as the Lotus green and yellow badge.
My love dates back to the early 80’s when I came across a small article on a new English car release in a local car mag. It was only a few paragraphs but the imprint it left is still with me. The Lotus Carlton/Omega the love affair has cost me plenty with brochures, magazines even a grainy home made video tape gleaned from Europe and England and yes I would still love to own one. But here lets chat about the F1 team - Team Lotus.
Colin Chapman started the Lotus F1 team in 1958 with the Type 16 ‘mini vanwall’ as it was referred because of it’s similarity to the larger Vanwall F1 cars. The Lotus legend started with the type 18 in ‘59 with its rear mounted engine copied from Cooper. Stirling Moss driving this car to Lotus’ first victory at Monaco that year and after success over the next few years with various types, Lotus started a revolution that continues in different forms to today. The Type 25 introduced the monocoque construction style. It was also the year the famous yellow stripe was added to the British Racing Green after the Indy race.
Over the years Lotus had many firsts and lead the F1 world in design throughout the 60’s. One of those firsts included the first sponsorship on cars with Gold Leaf livery gold, red and white in ‘68. Other first followed. First constructor to 50 GP wins beating Ferrari who started 9 years before Lotus scored it’s first win. The famous type 72 of 1970 introduced side radiators and the wedge shape to F1 and of course the ground effects Type 78 in 77. Lotus is best remembered in the 70’s for the black and gold JPS colour scheme, in my opinion the best looking cars ever in F1.
Over time they had a who’s who of great drivers either running with the team or passing through, including Mansell, Hakkinen, Senna, Graham Hill, Moss, Jim Clark, De Angelis, Andretti, Rindt, Ickx, Brabham, Phil Hill, Hailwood, Fittipaldi, Ronnie Petersen, Piquet etc
Sadly after lack of factory support, loss of sponsors Camel in particular, lack of major engine supplier, Lotus went into administration (protection from creditors) in 1994. Sadly they ceased to exist in 1995.
Amongst Lotus achievements are: 7 world championships (63, 65, 68, 70, 72, 73, 78) 6 Drivers Championships (63 Jim Clark, 65 Jim Clark, 68 Graham Hill, 70 Jochan Rindt - posthumously, 78 Mario Andretti, note 73 was Tyrell with Jackie Stewart)
489 races, 73 wins, 102 poles and 65 fastest laps
Thomas Simunsen
6 comments July 15th, 2007
