Wedge on wheels

The Lotus 72 was designed by Colin Chapman (assisted by Tony Rudd and Maurice Philippe). It was another innovative design by Chapman featuring inboard brakes, side-mounted radiators, and an overhead air intake.

The overall shape of the car was innovative too, resembling a wedge on wheels. This shape made for better air penetration and higher speeds. In a back-to back test with the Lotus 49 that preceded, the 72 was 12 mph faster with the same Cosworth engine.

Chapman’s efforts produced one of the most remarquable and successful designs in F1 history.  The car was introduced in 1970 and was still raced competitively by the team in… 1975!

Picture above: Ronnie Peterson (Lotus 72) at the 1973 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort (pole position, retired). The 72 raced in 75 races, winning 20 of them, 39 podiums and 17 pole positions. It gave Lotus 3 Constructors’ Championships: 1970, 1972, 1973 and the Drivers’ Championship to Rindt (sadly posthumously) in 1970 and to Fittipaldi in 1972.

Notable drivers: Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson, Reine Wisell, Jim Crawford, Jacky Ickx (picture below in 1974).