The Lotus 88B was a Formula One racing car designed by Lotus for the 1981 season. It was driven by Italian driver Elio de Angelis, who was known for his smooth driving style and technical expertise.
The Lotus 88B was unique in that it featured a twin-chassis design, with a primary chassis that housed the driver and a secondary chassis that housed the engine and suspension components. This design was intended to improve the car's aerodynamics and handling by allowing for greater flexibility in the design of the two chassis.
However, the Lotus 88B was controversial and ultimately banned by the FIA before it could race in a Grand Prix. The FIA deemed the twin-chassis design to be in violation of the rules, which stated that the car's chassis must be a single, rigid structure.
Despite being banned, the Lotus 88B was considered to be a competitive car and showed promise in pre-season testing. Elio de Angelis, who was known for his skill in setting up a car, was able to provide valuable feedback to the Lotus team and help them develop the car throughout the season.
Unfortunately, the ban on the Lotus 88B meant that Elio de Angelis was unable to race the car in a Grand Prix, and Lotus was forced to revert to using their older model, the Lotus 87, for the 1981 season.
Overall, the Lotus 88B was a unique and innovative design that never had the opportunity to showcase its full potential on the track. Elio de Angelis continued to drive for Lotus until 1985, when he moved to Brabham for the remainder of his Formula One career.
1:18 | Racing | GP Replicas
The Lotus 72C N. 24 was a Formula One car that was driven by Dutch driver Johan Miles during the 1970 Formula One season. The car was designed and built by the Lotus team, and it was an evolution of the successful Lotus 72 model that had been introduced in 1970.
Johan Miles was a relatively inexperienced driver in Formula One, having only made a handful of starts in the sport before joining the Lotus team. Despite this, he showed promise and potential behind the wheel of the Lotus 72C N. 24.
During the 1970 season, Miles competed in several races in the Lotus 72C N. 24, with mixed results. He showed flashes of speed and skill, but also struggled with consistency and reliability issues that plagued the car throughout the season.
Overall, the Lotus 72C N. 24 was a competitive car that helped the Lotus team achieve success during the 1970 season. It featured a powerful Cosworth DFV V8 engine, advanced aerodynamics, and a revolutionary wedge-shaped design that helped it stand out on the track.
Despite its strengths, the Lotus 72C N. 24 was not without its flaws. The car was prone to mechanical failures and handling issues, which hampered its performance in some races.
In conclusion, the Lotus 72C N. 24 driven by Johan Miles was a competitive and innovative Formula One car that played a significant role in the 1970 season. While it had its share of challenges, it remains a memorable and important part of Formula One history.
1:18 | Racing | GP Replicas
The Lotus Tipo 78, also known as the Lotus 78, was a Formula One car designed by Colin Chapman and his team at Lotus for the 1977 season. It was a ground-effect car, utilizing a venturi tunnel design to create downforce and improve cornering speeds.
The Lotus 78 was driven by Swedish driver Gunnar Nilsson during the 1977 season. Nilsson had joined Lotus as a full-time driver in 1976 and had shown promise with some strong performances. He was partnered with Mario Andretti, who also drove the Lotus 78 during the season.
Nilsson had a successful season in the Lotus 78, scoring points in several races and achieving his first podium finish at the Belgian Grand Prix. He also took pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix and finished on the podium in the Italian Grand Prix.
Unfortunately, Nilsson's promising career was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer at the end of the 1977 season. He passed away in 1978, leaving behind a legacy of talent and potential that was never fully realized.
The Lotus 78 was considered a revolutionary car in its time, with its ground-effect design proving to be highly effective in improving performance on track. It was a successful car for Lotus, helping the team to achieve several podium finishes and solidify its position as a top competitor in Formula One.
Overall, the Lotus Tipo 78 was a significant car in the history of Formula One and is remembered for its innovative design and the talent of drivers like Gunnar Nilsson who piloted it to success.
1:18 | Racing | GP Replicas
The Lotus 72C was a Formula One car built by Team Lotus for the 1970 Formula One season. It was designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, and was an evolution of the successful Lotus 72 model.
Emerson Fittipaldi was a Brazilian racing driver who drove the Lotus 72C during the 1970 Formula One season. Fittipaldi had previously won the 1969 Formula One World Championship with Lotus, becoming the youngest ever Formula One World Champion at the time.
Fittipaldi had a successful season in the Lotus 72C, winning five races and finishing second in the drivers' championship behind Jochen Rindt. The Lotus 72C was known for its innovative design, featuring an aerodynamically efficient wedge-shaped body and side-mounted radiators.
The Lotus 72C was powered by a Cosworth DFV V8 engine, which was a highly successful engine in Formula One at the time. The car also featured a revolutionary suspension system, with inboard front brakes and torsion bar rear suspension.
Overall, the Lotus 72C was a highly successful car, winning three Constructors' Championships and two Drivers' Championships during its time in Formula One. Emerson Fittipaldi's success in the car helped to solidify his reputation as one of the greatest drivers of his era.
