Lotus 16 F1 OW 1958

Specifications Lotus 16 F1 OW 1958 blueprint

The Lotus 16 F1 OW of 1958 is a true testament to the ingenuity of the Lotus marque. Built entirely from light alloy, this car represented a radical departure from the more traditional designs which were heavy and bulky in comparison. On the outside, the Lotus 16 F1 OW has a sleek, low-slung profile and a lightweight carbon fiber body which houses a 1.5-liter Coventry Climax 16 DOHC V8 engine. The whole vehicle only weighs 1169 kg, allowing the tiny engine to produce a highly impressive 145 brake horsepower and a top speed of 150 mph. The suspension setup consists of a double wishbone setup at the front, accompanied by trailing arms with inboard telescopic dampers at the rear, giving the Lotus 16 F1 OW exceptional levels of balance and agility. Even in 1958, when most other cars were using a live axle, this set-up gave the 16 an exceptional level of performance. Behind the wheel, the endurance-tested cockpit offers the driver a comfortable and supportive ride, with the gearchange assisted by a new horizontal gate selector for smooth shifts. A large fuel tank provides eight and a half gallons of fuel for long stints in the track. The Lotus 16 F1 OW of 1958 is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when the latest technology is applied with ingenuity and ambition. Even today, more than 60 years later, the Lotus 16 F1 OW continues to awe and inspire all those who encounter it.