The Lotus 43 nr.1 driven by Jim Clark to victory at the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen in 1966 was a revolutionary Formula One car designed and built by Lotus founder Colin Chapman. It was powered by a 2.0 liter BRM V8 engine and featured a monocoque chassis, fully independent suspension, and aerodynamic bodywork.
One unique feature of the Lotus 43 was its openable part, which allowed for easy access to the engine and other components for maintenance and repairs. This design innovation made the car more efficient and easier to work on compared to other Formula One cars of the time.
Another notable feature of the Lotus 43 was its leather seat, which provided added comfort and support for the driver during long races. The seat was custom-fitted to Jim Clark's body for maximum comfort and performance.
Overall, the Lotus 43 nr.1 was a groundbreaking and successful Formula One car that helped solidify Lotus as a dominant force in the sport during the 1960s. Jim Clark's victory at the US Grand Prix in 1966 was just one of many triumphs for the Lotus team with this iconic car.
1:18 | Racing | GP Replicas
The Lotus 43 was a Formula One racing car designed and built by Team Lotus in 1966. It was driven by the legendary Scottish driver Jim Clark in the South Africa Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1967. The car was number 7 in that race.
One unique feature of the Lotus 43 was its openable part, which allowed for easier access to the engine and other components for maintenance and repairs. This feature was particularly useful in the high-pressure environment of a Formula One race, where quick repairs and adjustments could make all the difference in a race.
Another notable feature of the Lotus 43 was its leather seat, which was designed to provide maximum comfort and support for the driver during long races. The leather seat was also a luxury touch that set the Lotus 43 apart from other racing cars of its time.
Unfortunately, the Lotus 43 did not perform as well as expected in the South Africa Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1967. Jim Clark was forced to retire from the race due to mechanical issues, ending his hopes of a victory in that event.
Despite its lackluster performance in that particular race, the Lotus 43 remains an iconic car in the history of Formula One racing, and Jim Clark's skill and talent behind the wheel are still celebrated to this day.
1:18 | Racing | GP Replicas
The Lotus type 78, also known as the Lotus 78, was a Formula One car designed by Lotus engineer Colin Chapman and his team for the 1977 Formula One season. The car was revolutionary for its use of ground effects aerodynamics, which helped to increase downforce and improve cornering speeds.
The Lotus 78 was driven by Swedish driver Ronnie Peterson during the 1977 season. Peterson was known for his aggressive driving style and had previously driven for teams such as March and Tyrrell before joining Lotus. He was considered one of the top drivers of his era and was known for his speed and skill behind the wheel.
Peterson had a successful season driving the Lotus 78 in 1977, achieving several podium finishes and securing victories at the South African Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix. He finished the season in 6th place in the drivers' championship, with 51 points.
Tragically, Ronnie Peterson was involved in a serious accident at the start of the 1978 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which ultimately led to his death a day later due to complications from his injuries. Despite his untimely passing, Peterson's legacy as a talented and fearless driver lives on in the memory of Formula One fans around the world.
1:18 | Street | Top Marques
The Lotus Elise GT1 is a high-performance sports car that was produced by British automaker Lotus between 1996 and 1997. It was designed to compete in the GT1 class of sports car racing, particularly in the FIA GT Championship.
The Elise GT1 is based on the Lotus Elise road car, but features significant modifications to improve its performance on the track. The car is powered by a mid-mounted 6.0-liter V8 engine sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette, which produces around 550 horsepower. This engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential transmission, allowing for quick and precise gear changes.
The Elise GT1 features a lightweight carbon fiber body and chassis, which helps to keep the car's weight down to around 1,000 kilograms. This, combined with the powerful engine, gives the car impressive acceleration and top speed capabilities.
In terms of racing success, the Lotus Elise GT1 had a relatively short-lived career. It competed in the 1997 FIA GT Championship, but struggled to match the pace of its competitors. The car's best result was a 5th place finish at the 1997 4 Hours of Vallelunga race in Italy.
Overall, the Lotus Elise GT1 is a rare and unique sports car that represents Lotus's foray into the world of sports car racing. Despite its limited success on the track, the car remains a sought-after collector's item for enthusiasts of high-performance automobiles.
