Lotus 72D F1 OW 1970

Specifications Lotus 72D F1 OW 1970 blueprint

The Lotus 72D F1 OW 1970 is a Formula 1 racing car that was designed and produced by the British constructor Colin Chapman as part of the famous Lotus team. It was first raced in the 1970 Formula 1 season and was driven by an impressive string of drivers including Emerson Fittipaldi and Mario Andretti. This open-wheel, mid-engine racing car was powered by the Ford-Cosworth DFV engine and was equipped with a Hewland HG 400 five-speed transmission. It featured a suspended monocoque chassis, independent wishbone suspension on all four wheels, and 11 inboard-mounted disc brakes. The 72D also had an air-cooled radiator and oil cooler located in the rear of the car and two-stage aerofoil wings fitted at the front and rear of the car. This combination of powertrain and aerodynamics allowed the car to be highly competitive and perform extremely well on the track, making it a staple of the F1 scene in the 1970s. The 72D was visually recognisable from its signature gurney flap metalwork, which was located above the exhaust pipes and served to direct air around the heat pipes and increase downforce. It also had a distinct step nose design along the front of the car, providing improved airflow and increased aerodynamic efficiency. The car was painted in the iconic gold and black Lotus color scheme, giving it a unique identity that would become symbolic of F1 racing in the 1970s. The Lotus 72D F1 OW 1970 was one of the most successful cars of its era, winning 18 races including two champions and 50 podiums. As such, it will forever hold a place in the history of motorsports and Formula 1 racing.