Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Lou Drozdowski on Monday,August 26, 2013, 10:22:50 AM
-
As a follow up to an earlier post...Hethel rollout 1967...
The Lotus 49 made it's first race debut at the Dutch Grand Prix in June.
Two chassis, R1 & R2 were available for Graham Hill & Jim Clark. The weekend would favor each driver on diffrent days.
Hill who had tested the brand new chassis (R1) earlier in England was untouchable on Saturday, setting fastest time and pole position. Clark, who saw the new car for the first time on Friday, struggled with set up and complained of a vibration. Chapman had the mechanics go over the car and found nothing unusual. Saturday the problem revealed itself as a right rear bearing race had split and the hub assembly failed. Not taking any chances, both cars would be worked on thru the night and new parts fitted.
Race day had pole man Hill dominate the first eleven laps, but on the next tour he was spotted... pushing the car back to the pits. Inspection would reveal a cam sprocket was the cause of the engine failure.
Clark, who had started eighth was making steady progress on the field. On lap 12 he passed Hulme and Amon, Rindt was next on lap 15 and finally passing Brabham one lap later for the top spot. Clark duly gave the new Lotus and the Coswoth DFV a famous debut victory, beating Brabham's Repco by nearly 25 seconds.
It was the start of a new era in F1 history
-
Now there's a coincidence, I've just started reading a book called "Tales from the Toolbox" which is a collection of anecdotes from racing team mechanics of the 50s/60s/70s and I'm just about this era so these photos are very apt.
The "all nighters" seem to be a common thing from that era, and Lotus seemed to do more than any of the other teams. Chapman comes across as either genius or ######## depending on who's telling the tale so it must have been quite, erm, "interesting" to work on those Lotus cars.
Brian
-
Cool pics, Lou. Of course it goes without saying, but my God that car is gorgeous.
I've been reading Peter Warr's book 'Team Lotus', which is quite enlightening, and has some interesting mentions regarding the 49. For the last couple of years I've been hungrily reading up on the glory years of Team Lotus. Wild times.
Loving the historic pics. Cheers.
-
Great stories and pictures Lou, please keep them coming.
- Brian I have also read that book, they are indeed some interesting / funny / scary stories.
I like the one where they were stuck at a border crossing in no mans land for a day or two, and they just rolled the cars out and started to rebuild them and make them ready for the next race 8).
It is cool that Bob Dance is still around, I have seen him a couple of time at Spa 6 Hour where he has been preparing a Lotus 25.
-
Here's that car today, along with a type 72.
-
Very cool, nice pic. I'll soon be collecting pictures of the early 49 for an upcoming model building project. This is exactly the configuration I intend to build. Many years ago I photographed one in detail at Beaulieu. I would love to have that opportunity again, especially with a digital SLR.
-
JPS...I would like to know where your pic was taken, curious about the chassis#...by the way the other car in your shot, next to the 49 is a type 76. The first F1 car developed to take advantage of ground effects.
The type 72 was known as the most successful F1 car with 18 victories and having the longest competitive lifespan of five years. ld
-
Doh, you're correct it is a 76 (brain fade). The picture is from Beulieu National Motor Museum in the UK (was there last month). Also took a bunch of pictures over at Classic Team Lotus. Very cool place. And of course had to hit the Heritage museum in Gaydon, and the Coventry Motor Museum. Also did factory tours at Aston Martin and Jaguar. It was a very car related holiday. LOL
-
The first Ground-Effect F1 Lotus was the Type 78.
-
I have always loved the classic wobble web wheels :trophy:
-
Number 19........ a Lotus 30?
-
Number 19........ a Lotus 30?
Lotus 30
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/Lotus30.jpg/250px-Lotus30.jpg)
The Classic Wobbly Web Wheel
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Lotus_wobbly-web_wheel,_Lotus_33.jpg)
-
Here is Bob Dance atending to a Lotus 25 at the 2011 Spa 6 Hour's.
It's pretty cool that he is still around spannering on these cars.
I hav also atached some pictures of other Lotus F1 cars and sports cars from the event.
-
Here are a few pictures from the Spa & Hour's 2012 and of cause we need to have an Europa also :)
-
Jas...........great shots..........this stuff gives me goose bumps..............
Joe...........indeed it looks like a 30.
mike
-
As Mike said, great shots. I just can't get over how much the cars changed in a relatively short time between Clark & the JPS specials. The rate of change is probably similar now, but just not as obvious and these comparison shots really bring it home.
Brian
-
:coolpic:
-
:coolpic:
I second that. Please keep these beautiful images coming... Where did they
come from? Are you some kind of a god or something?
-
Hi guys,
i have found a nice picture from the world championship winning season 1963 :trophy: and one from 1967. The first shows the grid of the 1963 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. You can see Jim Clark in his Lotus 25 Climax in the first row (number 4). The second Lotus driver was Trevor Taylor (row 3, number 5).
http://www.eajonesgue.com/scalemodels/images/1963_Silverstone_start_colour.jpg (http://www.eajonesgue.com/scalemodels/images/1963_Silverstone_start_colour.jpg)
The other picture shows Jim Clark drifting in his Lotus 49 through Becketts, Silverstone, in 1967.
http://peterwindsor.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/6712824.jpg (http://peterwindsor.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/6712824.jpg)
I think, it should be no problem with copyright, if the pictures are just linked, is it?
-
Are we sure these pictures aren't copyright? Seems to me they might be......
-
That 1963 starting line grid photo is great. You can just feel the anticipation of the coming battle in the air. What a great time for racing and race car innovation. The racing was still raw (albiet very dangerous) and big money was still quite a way off. These people were truley in it for the love of the game. Wonderful stuff. Unfortunately I couldn't view the photo of Clark in the 49; corporate net nanny stepped in :P
-
Glad to see the thread has had some activity. I will soon post another follow up to the Iconic Lotus 49...To the fortunate few, who had the skills to drive this great car in competition. As a preview, I leave you with this classic shot of Jim Clark.
-
Cool Photo. Nice detail shot of the DFV abd rear suspension details. I'll soon be looking for 49 photos for an upcoming model project. I'll have to keep this one in mind. Cheers.
-
:coolpic: keep them coming !
-
Although overshadowed by Clark at Lotus, Graham Hill bore the brunt of development work on the 49 with the new Cosworth power plant. Here shown during the morning warm up at it's debut at Zandvoort.ld
-
All amazing images! Thank you for sharing
-
I will call this one "Ice cream"... Gentleman Jimmy offers the lady a refreshment.
-
Great picture. I dare say I'd offer her some of my ice cream too.
What I'm really grooving on, though, are those Lotus coveralls worn by the mechanics. I'would love to get my hands on a set of those... 44 regular, please.
-
Trevor, Have you seen the items on the Classic Team Lotus web site? I'm sure they can do something for you. I have the JPS all black and the Classic green team shirts from them. Well made, and are great when going to a show or event.
-
Yeah I have the Classic Team Lotus Jacket from the Classic team website. Very nice jacket and I love it! People always ask me who is the guy is on my arm... I tell them its Colin Chapman throwing his hat in the air after a F1 win, then they ask who is that and what is F1 and I just shake my head haha
Great pictures, really enjoyed looking at them. Bob Dance is the man too, I got his autograph on my Lotus hat I got at LOG 33.
-
Lou, Thanks for the heads up. I just checked out their merch, and there is a lot of great stuff there, including some great looking jackets.
Hey Chris, how goes it? Good to see you around again.
-
Lou, Thanks for the heads up. I just checked out their merch, and there is a lot of great stuff there, including some great looking jackets.
Hey Chris, how goes it? Good to see you around again.
I've been doing good... College is tough haha Yeah I haven't posted on here or LotusTalk in awhile, been doing other stuff which is good since I need to focus on school. All in all, I'm doing well and I still get on here and read threads, I just haven't posted. Looks like its going well though over 200 members now! :beerchug:
-
Jim Clark...ready to make history in Holland.
-
I will call this one "Ice cream"... Gentleman Jimmy offers the lady a refreshment.
I call this picture "Pensive Pilots"... Warwick Farms the Tasman series of 68...ld
-
You do pick out some great photos. A story I am sure behind each one.
Dave
-
A few more shots of the 49's debut in Holland...Jimmy & Colin talking tactics and Clark's drive through the field. ld
-
It's been a while...Wonder what became of the 49 in it's next race?
In today's era we can measure time with sub-atomic particles. I guess, relative to 1967... seconds and tenths were the standard of the day. If you compare development from then and now, what would 10 seconds mean? When the team arrived in Belgium, Clark humbled the opposition to break the previous lap record and put the car on pole. Ten seconds...although the victory went to Gurney in the Eagle, no one could have for seen the leap in development the 49 had over it's rivals.
Colin seems very annoyed at the marshal at the moment, and the daunting au-rouge corner in the backdrop.ld
-
Great picture and a great race! Two fantastic cars (Lotus and Eagle) that both extended the state of the art!
-
Great picture and a great race! Two fantastic cars (Lotus and Eagle) that both extended the state of the art!
BDA...Got to thinking about the subtle differences between the Lotus & Eagle. Here is a shot of the grid formation from Spa. The 49 looks smaller to begin with, less overall skin compared to the Eagle. Gurney appears to be lower in the car, but I think the 49 has a short roll hoop. The massive Weslake compared to the diminutive DFV. I must admit that the Eagle is however better looking. A tire war...what we need in today's F1...is also evident.
-
I wanted to keep this thread as factual as possible, dealing mostly with the topic of the Zandvoort race. However, I will expand the subject slightly... to cover some of the interesting highlights and developments of the 49 during the remainder of the 1967 season. I will interject some offbeat comments...to solicit your thoughts and suggestions.
Check out Colin & Jimmy...handsome lot I must say. It was cold that debut weekend in the dunes. Colin donned his twill overcoat and the traditional 'Black" cap was some years away. Jimmy, so cool with his monogram driving gloves. Still, these timeless photos continue to capture the pure joy, thrill and essence of simpler and elegant times.
-
Your captions to this ?...What is young Damon saying...
Three World Champions (soon to be)
-
Great picture and a great race! Two fantastic cars (Lotus and Eagle) that both extended the state of the art!
BDA...Got to thinking about the subtle differences between the Lotus & Eagle. Here is a shot of the grid formation from Spa. The 49 looks smaller to begin with, less overall skin compared to the Eagle. Gurney appears to be lower in the car, but I think the 49 has a short roll hoop. The massive Weslake compared to the diminutive DFV. I must admit that the Eagle is however better looking. A tire war...what we need in today's F1...is also evident.
Lou,
I don't want to hijack the thread but I wanted to mention a few things about the Eagle that some might not know. First is that it had no seat belts. One of the reasons for that is that the tub was made of magnesium. If a tire went flat and the tub scraped the ground, it could catch fire - a fire that could not be put out. In that event, it is important to be able to get out of the car as quickly as possible. The headers were made of titanium - I believe that was a first. I've read that the tooling used to build the Weslake was left over from WWII so the engines were essentially hand made which caused them not to attain their full potential.
There's no denying that the new Lotus and DFV were the stars of the show and the face of things to come. Something Lotus repeatedly showed over the next few decades. But it's nice to remember there were other interesting stories going on and one of them was eventual only GP win by an American driver in an American designed car (in Belgium that year).
-
A couple of early presser shots...Colin takes the wheel and all smiles from Graham. I wanted to insert these photos simply for the facial expression of both men.
-
A couple of early presser shots...Colin takes the wheel and all smiles from Graham. I wanted to insert these photos simply for the facial expression of both men.
Ok, for those with keen eyes...what's up with the last two pictures, notice anything ? ld
-
I'm probably missing it but in the last picture, there seems to be a lot of chrome which can cause hydrogen embrittlement. I wouldn't expect that on an F1 race car (though it's not unheard of to have chrome on stressed race car bits).
-
I'm probably missing it but in the last picture, there seems to be a lot of chrome which can cause hydrogen embrittlement. I wouldn't expect that on an F1 race car (though it's not unheard of to have chrome on stressed race car bits).
Clue... # 1 "What is behind you is not important" taken from the movie, Gumball rally.
Clue... # 2 These two pit babes forgot to look into one, before they headed to the track.
-
No wing mirrors ? Either the infamous Chapman weight reduction program or as you say "what is behind you is not important".....
-
or as you say "what is behind you is not important".....
If I recall, that is a rule of Italian driving, though perhaps not limited to...
...and now I know why those bottles of champagne at post race parties ar so large; Monza tire chicks need loving, too. ;)
-
...and now I know why those bottles of champagne at post race parties ar so large; Monza tire chicks need loving, too. ;)
:FUNNY: :BEER3:
-
...and now I know why those bottles of champagne at post race parties ar so large; Monza tire chicks need loving, too. ;)
:FUNNY: :BEER3:
Take a good look again, for the life of me, I swear the one on the right looks like a relation to Bernie E...
Or
Would you prefer the company of this faster group instead ?
-
They are wearing the right colors! :)
-
Much better Lou, thanks. If I were to encounter this group post race, I would hope that THEY are the ones in possession of the large bottle. ;) Cheers
-
Yes, I am old school...when October rolls around I can't help to think about my early escapades to upstate New York. The Finger lakes and the village of Watkins Glen. When you could camp out for three days, walk the pit lane, visit the Kendall garage and watch a formula one race for under $25....
Today, that amount will get you a race program if your lucky.ld
-
Cars were prettier then, too!
-
Great pics, Lou. I envy anyone who has witnessed these wonderful machines competing in anger in their prime. Cool stuff.
-
If you haven't noticed by now, I'm stuck in time...reliving the early days. I'm not ashamed to admit that although my passion of Lotus started with monoposto's, I needed something more to remind me of how much fun it would be to heel and toe while enjoying 3307r.
Thus...the purchase of Tribute driving shoes by Nicolas Hunziker
ps...had to add a Zandvoort photo of Clark and the classic # 5....ld
-
My old Top Sider soles were getting dry rotted and slippery so I got a pair of those, too! They work really well for Europa driving. My only complaint is the laces are more than generous so I have to tuck them in the shoe. I was self conscious at first but my car grabs most of the attention! ;D
-
:coolpic:
-
Back to Zandvoort...
Early action...up close for the camera guys, no guardrails, just a few hay bales for good measure!
Clark leads Brabham, Rindt and Dennis Hulme....Jimmy in the pits with crew "Teamwork"...ld
-
Great pictures, Lou!
I recently watched the movie '1' about Formula 1 largely from the angle of safety. If you haven't seen it, I advise it.
Some old pictures have people standing a few yards from the track. Some viewing locations were on the top of a bluff that was carved out to pave the track. The views must have been amazing but the tracks were incredibly dangerous. At the time, I thought the safety issue was silly. They knew what they were in for and if it was too dangerous, they needed to slow down. That sounds reasonable but it really isn't given the reality of who was racing and why. I still miss the tracks that weave through the woods like Nurburging, but I'm really happy that deaths are unheard of now.
-
Great pics, Lou. I envy anyone who has witnessed these wonderful machines competing in anger in their prime. Cool stuff.
-
My herd of Zandvoort photographs is slowly thinning out...saving some of the best for last.
Guess I'll have to start another topic soon...ld
-
Guess I'll have to start another topic soon...ld
Once you've exhausted this lot, please do
-
Guess I'll have to start another topic soon...ld
Once you've exhausted this lot, please do
Any suggestions? I was leaning towards the tobacco era...Type72
Had to throw in this lovely picture of Graham's "bowed legs"...boy that car looks good! ld
-
I think the 'Tobacco Years' sounds like a great next theme. There should be A LOT of good stuff on them and the drivers!
-
I think the 'Tobacco Years' sounds like a great next theme. There should be A LOT of good stuff on them and the drivers!
I agree. Lots of good stuff there, and still within the 'interesting' era.
-
Time to move on...I have decided to slowly fade the 1967 season and the groundbreaking 49 into it's place in racing history. The ride of this topic for me has been quite satisfying, considering the number of views (over 3k at this point) suggests your appetite for the nostalgia. As mentioned before, I will periodically insert a story or picture when I feel the need...ld
Look for my next adventure in "Lotus and the tobacco years". ld
-
Great thread! I saw Bob Dance at LOG 34 but did not really appreciate who he was. My loss.
-
Taking a break, a Bob Dance moment during the glory days...
Ready for roll off...looks like Colin is removing those nasty pebbles or measuring the tire depth...ld
-
A wonderful shot of Jimmy and Graham pointing thru the corner...leaving some inches to spare. ld
-
You have to admire a driver who deals with buried tires along the race track. That's a much different obstacle than rumble strips! I notice some look like they had already been scuffed by a race tire. That's close!
-
Took me a while to find this rare shot of Hill in the paddock...
A great image of Clark which shows the pure speed and tenacity of style...ld
-
More great photos, Lou!
I am constantly amazed at the quality and beauty of the cars juxtaposed with the spartan amenities such as the paddocks, transporters, etc. Even though I've been to places like Road America when (at least part of) the paddock area a grassy field!
-
Yes, it was refreshing this past weekend to see a challenge by Ferrari against the powerful Mercedes team. I wonder what the history books might say about Vettel finally winning in a car other than Newey's design. No doubt a great victory for the 4 time champion...however I must admit...Today's drivers are no match for the skill and bravery of days past. You can argue the likes of Schumi, Senna, Prost, Piquet...all fantastic in their own right, dare I say all the past champs of the modern era. With factories and hundreds of people in support, today's drivers have become merely drones to push buttons and complain when things don't go their way. Give me a driver...a real racer...I can be comfortable with....ld
-
It sure is a different era now! The cars are far safer (and uglier). It's wonderful that we don't have to hear about which driver was killed in a crash. On the other hand, the drivers of the past were a different breed. Back then, going into a turn too fast might have gotten you killed. That certainly changes the dynamic as well as requires more from the driver. As Hemingway said, "There are but three true sports--bullfighting, mountain climbing, and motor-racing. The rest are merely games." It is good that racing is safer but it now more of a high tech game. And it is good that no F1 driver has died since Senna, but as good as the drivers are today, they seem like children in comparison to those in the past.
-
The armband tells all...some work on Graham's car. The detail of this b/w shot certainly leaves much to the imagination. I can actually hear the washers dropping on the catch tray. ld
-
I love black and white photographs. The detail can be stunning and I think you can focus more without the colours. Some great pictures on here
well done
Stuart
-
Looks like Mr Helper 1967 is fitting a new gearbox. Both drive shafts are disconnected.
In black and white you can't see the blood on his hands.
-
In black and white you can't see the blood on his hands.
[/quote]
I never thought of that
-
Moments apart...Two interesting shots from the Zandvoort pits in 67. Take a good look, the first is of the 49 by it's lonesome waiting for Jim to have a seat, and the second when he arrives to mount up. I suspect these were taken within seconds as the people in the back round have hardly changed positions and posture. ld
-
Interesting! Nice find, Lou!
-
Very interesting indeed. Especially considering the photos seem to be from different sources. I quite like that first pic. Very cool.
-
Amazing detail...Have some spare change lying around?
You can have your very own Lotus 49 for a mere $6000...ld
-
That's a beautiful model!
-
Just watched the Polanski film of Sir Jackie Stewart...Weekend of a Champion...good stuff and very nostalgic. A very insightful tribute to the dangers of years past and how the thought processes of a great driver tackles the event. From blistered hands and dealing with the weather, if you love F1 you will enjoy...ld
Zandvoort 67....Jackie in the BRM and Clark is ready to pounce!
-
Before the British GP last Sunday, they had a short film about Jim Clark. Apparently he shared a flat with Jackie Stewart in London right up to the time of his death. They were great friends.
Very few people have heard Jim Clark speak on film, he was a very quiet man. His other love was farming in Scotland.
-
There is a debate going on about the greatest British driver in F1. The formula one drivers association recently conducted a world wide fan survey on the sport in general. It was interesting to see some of the responses concerning favorite drivers. The survey showed Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikonen and Fernando Alonso...but if you break down the survey by age and take out the young millennials...Jim Clark is your man, with the exception of Fangio, Clark holds the highest percentage of wins (25) out of (73) starts in the modern era.
Could not help to post this great shot of Clark at Zandvoort ...love those b/w images.ld
-
I tend to agree that Clark was the best British driver. I'm not sure he was the best driver in the modern era though I guess an argument could be made that he was better than Senna (my pick for best).
It's tragic that his life (and career) was cut so short!
-
Here's the numbers.
-
I find it very hard to find the adequate caption to this fantastic photo...ld
-
It's hard to believe that almost 50 years have passed since that storied season of 1967...
One thing is for sure, although there have been many great teams and drivers to tackle the landscape of formula one, the combination of pure elegance in machinery and superior talent are hard pressed to match this trio. ld
-
That was certainly the dream team of that era. Another great photo, Lou. Thanks!
-
A very old wise man once told me...
It's good to know where you are going but best to know where you have been.
"Racing is life" everything else is just waiting!...Steve Mcqueen
-
Pretty cars even in black and white. Thinking about Chapman, it must have been interesting for him to reflect on the changes in race car technology over his life!
-
Thanks Lou. I never get tired of looking at these cars.
-
Amazing detail...Have some spare change lying around?
You can have your very own Lotus 49 for a mere $6000...ld
Better yet...Look up the name Andy Mathews, premier model master who made 12 of these in 1997.
With over 3600 pieces and nearly 3 years of work this brilliant example of a 1/12 scale type 49 will cost you only 20k....
The cam cover alone has over 100 pieces...ever nut, bolt, washer...Fantastic!
# 4 is on e bay at the moment...ld
-
Back then there was no telemetry...just straight forward communication and a few pieces of paper passed on.
Could you imagine F1 today if all outside influences were eliminated and teams could not rely on real time data acquisition?
Maybe I'm wishing too hard...ld
-
Yeah. I wonder what is on those computer screens they put in front of the driver when they sit in the garage... It's got to be a lot more than tire temps! ;D
-
The double four valve in its primal state, possibly the most desired and evolutionary engine of that period. Mike Costin and Keith Duckworth changed the face of formula one. Here was a power plant that put out around 450 bhp and could be purchased for ten thousand dollars. It was so good, that many teams reverted to it's compact shape and minimal weight.
As a side note, I just watched the story of Ken Tyrell... Jackie Stewart mentioned if it not for this engine he would not have captured his second and third worlds championship.
This magical motor was developed to remain competitive for almost 20 years. ld
-
How quaint! The DFV has a distributor!! ;D
-
I love the packaging of this engine. Though it's very old school today, it's apparent simplicty is a pleasure to behold, as is it's 'no nonsense' looks. A wonderful marvel of engineering, and having read a book a while back on the exploits of Costin/Duckworth that included the story of the development of this engine, I find myself in awe that so much was done with so little. perhaps most impressive is how little development time went into the project. In today's engineering environment, it simply blows my mind.
-
Obviously, I was joking. Here's a pretty interesting video about the DFV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzrUiqRdTV8
-
The Blunsden/Phipps book Such Sweet Thunder tells the story and is a "must" for a DFV fan.
-
The first working DFV coffee table...err...helmet stand.
Sound effect for photo # 2.....Waaaaaaaaaaaah,
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, Vrooom, Vrooom, Waaaaaaaaaah.....ld
Pictures Courtesy of the Revs Institute...really!
-
I obviously didn't notice it before but that roll bar is pretty wimpy as well as low. I know it wasn't that uncommon for the roll bar to be below the top of the driver's helmet - I think because it was thought that your back would have no trouble compressing an inch or two! Of course, a higher bar provide more wind resistance! One as small as that probably wouldn't provide much resistance, but then the car wasn't supposed to be upside down, was it?
-
Great sound track for photo #2. I bet it would sound even better as a stereo recording... :P
-
Some lovely screen savers for all you 49 followers...ld
-
Beautiful pics, Lou! Thanks!
-
Helping hands...Often overlooked, but make no doubt, the success to Team Lotus was the forgotten few who made it all possible. ld
-
Unsung heroes, indeed!
-
Each generation holds a special place for greatness...many have tried, but few have lingered. ld
-
Jim Clark, RIP. :(
-
June 4Th 1967...49 years ago!
It seem fitting to remember that magic number as this weekend passes. We celebrate the debut of the 49's maiden victory and the Cosworth DFV in the hands Jim Clark and team Lotus at the Dutch Grand Prix.
-
Nice pictures of a stunning victory when race cars were pretty!
-
Great pictures, Lou. Cheers.
-
The legend lives on...chassis # 49R2 seen recently at Barber.
-
I hope it's there for the LOG in May!
-
There's something odd about R2's nose cowl these days. The aperture is the wrong shape, it's too square and spoils the line. IMO, naturally!
-
There's something odd about R2's nose cowl these days. The aperture is the wrong shape, it's too square and spoils the line. IMO, naturally!
Roger...Their may be something to your keen eye!...If I remember R2 was scuppered up in Monaco not too far back. Spare nose cone molds variations could be the answer. Here is another shot from 2014....ld
-
One of the first pictures of the 49...
Clark was living in Paris to avoid the tax laws and had to wait till the car arrived at Zandvoort.
I guess they waited to fit the mirrors, once he actually sat in the car.
-
Another great picture from the past! Thanks, Lou!
I don't think I'll ever get over how low the roll bars were back then!
-
Mr. Hill seems to know he has a winner under him...must be that new car smell!
-
Made me smile! Great photo!
If you get real close to the monitor you can smell hot rubber & race gas... ;)
-
and brakes!
-
Great photo Lou. I love the perspective on this one.
-
This weekend for the first time in history, all seven remaining Lotus 49's will be assembled under one roof at the Autosport racing car show in England...
Special thanks to Classic Team Lotus...
-
Very cool! I wish I could be there (of course, I'd want to see the cars without the covers!).
-
Yes, very cool indeed!! I would love to be there to photograph that lot.
-
Very cool! I wish I could be there (of course, I'd want to see the cars without the covers!).
Ok...Half of you wish has come true!
-
Fantastic!
-
Even cooler! Great shot!
:lotus:
-
Thanks for the view!
:coolpic:
-
With thanks to Classic Team Lotus...The nine type 49's constructed, a brief history by chassis.
R1/R9 (written off) 12 Grand Prix...Graham Hill's car at Zandvoort 1967 and four more GP's. Jim Clark raced her to victory at the Mexican GP. Hill's car for the 1968 Tasman Championship, followed by his famous Spanish GP win. Jackie Oliver's Monaco shunt led to rebuild and re-identification for 1969 as R9, for Jochen Rindt in the 1969 Tasman Championship. Written-off post Rindt's Spanish GP accident.
R2/R11 23 Grand Prix...Jim Clark's car at Zandvoort 1967 and seven more GP's, including wins at Silverstone and Watkins Glen, plus his famous drive at Monza. Clark's 1968 Tasman Championship winning car. Loaned to Rob Walker - in the wake of R4 destruction - for Jo Siffert, before update to B spec for Jackie Oliver. Re-identified as R11 and sold to Pete Lovely (raced by Mario Andretti in South Africa, before delivery) who raced it in six GP's as a privateer. Restored in 2010 to 1967 specification. Regularly raced by American owner Chris MacAllister.
more to follow...ld
-
R3...8 Grand Prix
Graham Hill for the second half of 1967,but victory eluded him. Sold to John Love for racing in South Africa. Subsequently restored to 1967 specification by Doug Nye and others, before acquisition by the Beaulieu National Motor Museum.
-
R4...(written-off) 1 Grand Prix
New in 1968 for Jim Clark, who raced her to win the South African GP, his last victory. Sold to Rob Walker for Siffert, but destroyed in a garage fire caused by welding, post Brands Hatch practice accident.
-
R5/R10...22 Grand Prix
A very special 49, having won first time out with Graham Hill in Monaco 1968. Later raced 6 more times by Hill before Andretti put her on pole at Watkins Glen. Re-identified as R10, for Rindt in the 1969 Tasman series. Unique double Monaco winner for Hill, again in 1969. Campaigned as Rob Walker entry for Hill at Monaco in 1970. Driven by Fittipaldi for his first three Grand Prix...This is still a works chassis by Classic team Lotus.
The only Grand Prix chassis to be raced by four World Champions...Hill, Rindt, Fittipaldi & Andretti.
-
Obviously a very well made tub!
-
Cool stuff, Lou.
I've always been 'on the fence' about the 49 duck tail treatment, but as time goes on I think I don't like it. Thankfully it was only around for a short while.
-
R6...20 Grand Prix
New for Jackie Oliver in 1968,who raced her twice before a massive accident in practice for the French GP. Repaired in time for Monza and for Graham Hill,who guided her to win the World Championship in Mexico. Eight GP's for Rindt in 1969, including his first win at Watkins Glen. Four more GP's in 1970 which included Rindt's dramatic last lap victory at Monaco. Sold by Team Lotus in 1977,she is now in the collection of Richard Mille,as a runner...
-
R7...24 Grand Prix
Sold new to Rob Walker for Siffert in 1968, winning the British GP on first outing (a unique privateer GP win) in it's debut race. For Siffert in 1969 then Graham Hill - for Rob Walker - in 1970. In 1999 Geoff Farmer acquired her from the Walker family and raced her occasionally, including a victory at the Goodwood Revival.
As you can see in the lower picture, during the recent refurbishing, the front and rear wing elements were removed...ld
-
R8...4 Grand Prix
New for 1969, Graham Hill's Tasman Championship car, then Richard Atwood's at Monaco and Graham Hill for the British GP. Sold to Jo Bonnier (2GP's) who sold it to Dave Charlton for racing in South Africa. Acquired by Australian collector the Hon.John Dawson-Damer, who constructed a painstaking restoration. Acquired from the family by Adrian Newey who had her restored to 1969 specification then raced prepped for the 2016 Monaco Historique.
-
Amazing stuff, Lou! It's an amazing thing to hear anybody even mention the Tasman series much less all the detailed history of cars fifty years ago!
-
Amazing stuff, Lou! It's an amazing thing to hear anybody even mention the Tasman series much less all the detailed history of cars fifty years ago!
You know how sometimes you have to start small, the evolution of the dangerous high mounted spindly wings got their start with the help of a modified and shortened helicopter wing...Tested during the Tasman series in 1969 at Sandown park.
The grid line up for Pukekohe in 69...Rindt, Amon's Ferrari and Hill in the second row.
-
That's what I call starting small!
Speaking of wings, at the risk of repeating myself (I might have already mentioned this), I read that Jim Hall of Chaparral Cars was amazed that it took the F1 guys two years after the 2E raced in the first Can Am in 1966 to finally get around to working with wings! There must have been a larger conservative streak than people would expect since these are the same guys who were offered 1/10th of world TV rights to F1 races by Bernie Ecclestone for $100,000 and they turned it down!
-
As stated earlier, Clark was unable to test the new 49 prior to it's arrival at Zandvoort. The track itself did not have facilities to house the cars for teams competing that weekend. Local shops and garages in the town proper were used to accommodate the entrants. Therefore, it was common practice for the drivers to "shuttle" their mounts to the track on public roads through the village.
-
I wonder why Clark seems to be grimacing.
-
Well, when one lets out the clutch on new a Lotus for the first time, one is not quite sure what is going to happen. ;)
-
Fifty years ago today...6/4/67
Looking back, I don't think I'd started to shave on a regular basis, was a Beatles and Stones fan, the summer before junior year in high school, Johnson was President and Viet Nam was the news of the day. Gas was 33 cents a gallon, a dollar forty was minimum wage and a new car was under 3k. The six day war with Israel and Syria, riots in Detroit and Ali was stripped of his title for refusing the draft. Twiggy and mini-skirts, Cool hand Luke and learning to drive a standard shift in my older brothers Austin Healey 3000.
-
Great picture and look back, Lou! My how things have changed - hay bales, people standing just off the track...
-
I agree. A great period shot which contrasts starkly with today's F1. Very cool.
-
Let's not forget the engine that would rewrite F1 history. The Cosworth DFV would help Lotus capture the first of 176 victories in it's 18 year run. Not bad...for a development investment of $100 thousand from Ford.
The team knew they had something special, the poke from behind had pushed the 49 some six seconds clear from the previous lap record.
Hill gets the jump at the start, while Clark starting from the third row settles in...
-
If you have the chance...for all of us on this side of the pond, the Goodwood festival of speed is this weekend. I have made it a point to get up early and catch all the fun live via stream. The action got underway yesterday and will continue thru Sunday.
There will be four type 49's, along with a gaggle of race cars from just about every class of world wide motorsport and motor bike. A must watch and worthy bucket list visit, if you so desire.
The meeting has always delivered the tonic needed for us gear heads! (website or you tube)
-
Amazing, that these special race cars are still around to be appreciated.
The race winning # 5 Zandvoort car of Jim Clark heads the display at this year's Goodwood Festival of speed.
-
Nice collection! I was happy to catch #5 by chance this year.
:lotus:
-
Wow! What a great looking display.
I agree that it is amazing so many of these cars are still around when one considers how little respect old and obsolete race cars get. I am also very glad that old race cars have been removed from the museum pedestals and placed on the race tracks again to compete in anger. Thanks for the fine photo, Lou.
-
As mentioned in an earlier post, Clark had been living in Paris to avoid the British tax laws. His first encounter with the new 49 came the weekend of the Zandvoort meeting.
The following photos were from Sunday's race...In the first shot, there are signs of consternation as the pre race jitters are clearly etched on all faces in the paddock...
A short time later...all smiles!...mission accomplished!
-
There has been talk in Formula one circles of bringing back some of the classic venues of years past. Next year... the French Grand Prix marks it's return to the calendar. Is Zandvoort next? speculation of another Dutch race is in the works.
It would be very special to see the circus back at the seaside dunes, although the cars wont be as lovely to look at.
-
Agreed! Today's F1 cars aren't nearly as nice to look at.
-
Nor as fun to watch
-
I know this is sacraligious, but I stopped watching "modern" F1 racing. Gone are the days when ingenious Motorsport inventors and team race owners developed technology each year that pushed the edge of aerodynamics and engine design.
Equally important, the fans are kept far away from the cars, drivers, mechanics and the pits. Unless you are very rich or Motorsport royalty you will never be able to interact prior to or after races.
I was fortunate enough to be a big F1 fan in the late 60's and 70's when you could walk through pits, meet the drivers, watch up close all the repair work being done. And the racing, at best you were behind a guard rail, not 20 foot high fencing. Ever year you couldn't wait to see what had been developed over the end of the last season.
Sorry, but there are other forms of Motorsport racing that is far more interesting than F1 these days.
-
I used to go the the British GP every year, but Bernie got too greedy, and the ticket prices went sky high.
He needs the money.
When they changed to the current turbo engines, the thrill of the noise just disappeared.
-
Oh, for the good old days of CanAm, TransAm, F1 and even USAC were all on at the same time!
-
Amazing!...50 years later and photos are still popping up that I have not seen before. These rare shots have surfaced today via the Jim Clark memorabilia page on Facebook. A wonderful shot of the entire team in their pit box at Zandvoort, and the second shows Jim on his first exploratory lap in the new 49.
As a footnote, that's Jochen Rindt climbing into the Cooper Maserati as Clark passes by.
-
Looks like Graham Hill on the right sitting on the wall in the top photo.
-
Keith Duckworth...Like an OB doctor who has just delivered his first new born. Well done, and many more to come!
-
Cool photo. I read a book a few years ago, I think it was simply titled 'Cosworth', that gave a good account of both Keith Duckworth and the designing & development of the DFV. A very interesting and brilliant fellow.
-
Dear Santa...
It's only $2500, and will fit on your sleigh!
-
Come on, Santa! It's only $2500!
-
I never get tired of admiring the beauty of the 49...
Looks like the boys are setting up the rear roll bar, before Graham has a flyer.
-
It's a really pretty car during a time of pretty cars!
-
Agreed! All of the elements seemed to come together for a brief period; Wide tires had arrived but wings and corporate sponsorship had yet to. The lean simple lines of the 49 Fuselage and the compact & tidy, no nonsense' design of the DFV. To my pro-analog mind, it is as close to perfect as it aver got.
-
Another couple of Zandvoort shots from the archives...
These were no doubt taken in the same vicinity of the paddock entrance to the pit lane.
The wrecker appears to be a leftover military vehicle (Dodge) or Jeep...
-
March 4th 1936...Happy Birthday!
-
:happy-bday: Jim Clark!
-
The new benchmark...
Everyone was curious and wanted a closer look. Jackie Stewart, Chris Irwin, Mike Spence and Tony Rudd from Team BRM have a chance to discuss the 49 first hand.
An interesting sidebar was that Chris Irwin who finished 7Th, was in the Lotus 25 BRM, and the last time this chassis was raced. The same R4 which carried Jim Clark to the championship in 1963.
-
Remembrance
-
Died when he was only thirty two years old. RIP Jimmy.
-
That's quite a striking collage. I sure would have loved to have met him. R.I.P. Jimmy.
-
Engine porn...
The Ford double four valve Cosworth makes it's debut @ Zandvoort Holland 6/67
Photos, thanks to the Walter Hayes foundation.
-
If you've seen a modern F1 clutch, the size of the one in your picture is huge! My how time flies...
-
Had to bring this back to life...
I was prompted by some recently surfacing photographs I came across, got me thinking. In it's primal version, the 49 's upper bodywork and cockpit surround was a combination of metal and Plexiglas. A super clean looking shape, starting with the formed alloy top cover upper with plastic added, and ending with the tail section sloped at the drivers shoulders. As you can see, the mirrors were mounted in the Plexiglas and finished off nicely in metal towards the body.
Later versions made that season, and run the following year, incorporated the full Plexiglas top section that continued to the end on the monocoque ending at the roll hoop.
Was it weight savings? driver preference? Aero turbulence? sight or exit safety? Pictured below are R1, R2...and R3
In the first versions, Both Hill and Clark had their mirrors fairly close with the small exception of height position.
Hill seen in R3 the following year in South Africa had them mounted morel forward toward the steering wheel.
Whatever the reason, I prefer the early version, if only for it's appearance and classic workmanship ....your thoughts?
-
Interesting observation. I agree, the earlier version is the more pleasing design.
I can't tell from the attached photos, but is the earlier version open at the lower leading edge like the later design? I find the opening a bit of a curiosity, but assume that it has some specific purpose beyond simple ventilation.
-
I can't tell from the attached photos, but is the earlier version open at the lower leading edge like the later design? I find the opening a bit of a curiosity, but assume that it has some specific purpose beyond simple ventilation.
Yes, it was open. The 25's had various windscreens/deflectors, with the final version being the open version which was then used on most if not all of the Lotus grand prix cars. There's a sketch in one of the books on Chapman that shows the reasoning behind it. Basically it was an aerodynamic aid that worked with the bit of bodywork above the gauges to deflect the air over the drivers head, you could almost class it as a venturi.
-
The tributes kept filling my in box today...
Clark's Face Book page exploded with more photos to share.
So, I gladly filled my library with more rare images.
Some newly acquired Zandvoort photos for you viewing pleasure...ld
-
Very cool photos, Lou. Just can't get enough of the 49 (though the devil on my shoulder really has a thing for the 43 also). Thanks for posting.
-
Getting in or out?
Remember, these cigar shaped beauty's had no seat belts. From the looks of it, Graham appears about to hit the pavement. The front wheels are pointed as poised to exit. Keith Duckworth is besides Clark, chatting strategy with no crew surrounding the #6 sister car.
The detail and presentation of the 49 and of the virgin Cosworth DVF are classic retro.
-
After a thirty five year hiatus...
F1 has announced it's return next season, to the seaside resort dunes of Zandvoort.
This should be a real "Dutch" treat, bringing back such a classic venue along with all it's deserving fans.
Today's modern day pilots will now have the chance to match the record four victories held by Jim Clark.
-
It will be good to get back to Zandvoort!
-
It will be good to get back to Zandvoort!
Zandvoort = on sand.
I seem to recall sand blowing across the track, just like it does in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. Driving on a thin layer of sand is like driving on ice.
There is a very strong Dutch following all over Europe especially at Spa, just down the road for them. At Zandvoort, Max Verstappen will have the stands packed to overflowing.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi1xAnsNGRo
It was fifty two years ago today...
-
Thanks for the video, Lou. This video came up right after: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6cm3eWEHM0
-
Legendary survivor chassis # 49R2 is back in the United States. Jim Clark's Zandvoort winner has returned to is owner after a refurbishing this past year at Classic Team Lotus.
-
Some people collect stamps. Some collect paintings. And then some collect historical kinetic art. It must be nice!
-
Superb!!
-
Hi gang...I've seemed to let the thread languish.
Fear not, there are a few more photos in the bin to be discovered.
Remembering the story of Clark and his frustration surrounding the elusive vibration during his first laps with the 49...a poorly seated right rear wheel bearing race was found. The photo of Jim deep in thought (The Vulcan mind meld...in action)
Grahams fortune's fared no better. Camshaft sprocket failure laid waste to his chances, resulting in man power taking over.
-
Great pictures, as usual, Lou! Especially now that the F1 circus is going back to Zandvoort!
-
Sprocket? In a DFV?
-
I think Lou meant cam "cam gear" since everything was gear driven. I think I remember reading that that was an early problem.
-
Just for you Roger...
Posted 17 March 2004 - 22:03
Quote
Originally posted by Henk Vasmel
Jim Clark used engine 703. Graham Hill had driven his car before, so I would guess engine 702 then. I cannot find any positive proof now.
According to Michael Oliver's excellent 'Lotus 49' (page 40), Clark did use engine 703 and Hill used engine 702.
Both engines suffered timing gear damage resulting from the torque reversal problems present in the early DFV's that would damage the gear train. Hill retired from this event on lap 11 due to a timing gear losing two adjacent teeth disabling the cam drive. Clark also suffered the loss of two gear teeth but as they were not adjacent, his 703 was able to continue running thus winning the first time out.
Luck or acute mechanical sensitivity on Clark's part? Both I would think.
-
I remember the cam gear failures.
I was pulling your leg over the word "sprocket".
-
Dusted this one off again...Still plenty of pictures left with a group quiz!
Who is the driver in the pit as Clark prepares to pass by?
Hint...He would eventually run a successful F1 team, continuing his long racing career.
-
Jack Brabham?
-
Jack Brabham?
Thanks Gideon, but no...Here's a big clue
-
Jacque Laffite! You gave it away with that last picture, even at that, I was just guessing till I looked him and Ligier up to make sure.
-
Jacque Laffite! You gave it away with that last picture, even at that, I was just guessing till I looked him and Ligier up to make sure.
Sorry BDA...Jacques Laffite did not enter Formula 1 till 1974... The answer is in your last comment...look at the car again!
-
Well, I was even more clueless than I thought! Guy Ligier! I had to look at who competed in ‘67 to figure it out!
-
I've pulled this old topic out of the bin, and dusted it off....
If you're a fan of the 49 and appreciate scale cars in general, look this chap up on facebook.
Frans van der Valk....he also has a project page called "My 1/3 scale cars" Amazing!