Wheel Men...Drivers of the Lotus 49

[Lou Drozdowski]

 Jim Clark at Spa in 67...had it on the pole and led the race for the first 11 laps before pitting for a spark plug change costing him a full 2 minutes. The race was won by Dan Gurney and the maiden victory for the Eagle chassis. Spa was then about 8 miles per lap...with no wings and reaching speeds of 185 in some places. Scary cool...ld

[Roger]

Which, all things considered, was a good thing. That Eagle deserved to win at least one GP, being such a lovely car.

[Lou Drozdowski]

This shot...Graham Hill with the Casino in the backdrop is one of my favorites. The 49c looked sneaky fast for the Walker team at the 1970 Monte Carlo race. Although he could only muster a fifth place finish, the 49C was close to full development and nearing the end of it's lifespan.

Quiz....Who & What is following???   

[Lou Drozdowski]

Which, all things considered, was a good thing. That Eagle deserved to win at least one GP, being such a lovely car.

Yes, Roger I agree. It was very good for the sport at that time, the fresh taste of an American influence was taking shape.
 The Eagle was a joy to look at with it's distinctive "shark nose".

[Roger]

Is that a Matra? It's a bit small on my tablet. Beltoise maybe?

[Lou Drozdowski]

Is that a Matra? It's a bit small on my tablet. Beltoise maybe?

Close Roger...You got the car right, but it was Henri Pescarolo in the Matra MS120.
I will break one of my rules for is thread (only drivers of the 49) this time for you. As penance, I will add a flying shot of Clark.

[Lou Drozdowski]

I have always been captivated by pictures of the drivers in their cars while in the pits. Not only to get a view of their expressions, but to also get a sense of emotion and thought process. Additionally, a detail or perspective of the car and cockpit surroundings. The following shots...Emerson looks like a deer in the headlights or is really pissed at having his picture taken, Graham seems to be wondering when he is going to be soaked, Mario complaining to Bob Dance about something, and Clark's muted grin thinking he has this weekend in the bag!

[cal44]

Lou, these pictures are divine.   Thank you.  Any Type 30 snaps.  And, there was a Lotus race car that sported a Ford Boss 302 engine, can't remember the call out number.
mike

[BDA]

Super pictures, Lou! Thanks!!! 

[Lou Drozdowski]

Lou, these pictures are divine.   Thank you.  Any Type 30 snaps.  And, there was a Lotus race car that sported a Ford Boss 302 engine, can't remember the call out number.
mike

Yes, I have a few old type 30 shots...I will tease you with one now and maybe later, for a new topic. The 30 was introduced with the Ford 289 V8 and later morphed into the Type 40 with higher displacement.
When Ritchie Ginther was asked how the 40 compared to the 30 he answered " just as bad with 10 more mistakes"...

To continue...another close up picture of Clark I like to call "Confidence"

[BDA]

Great shots!!! I can't wait to see more!

[Lou Drozdowski]

 Jo 'Seppi" Siffert , his twenty two starts as driver for Rob Walker racing in the Lotus 49 served to establish a unique and close relationship with parent team Lotus during the development of the B and C versions. Winning the Brands Hatch race in 1968 showed his speed, tenacity and steady race results in the car followed.
 Sadly, he would lose his life just 3 years later at the same track driving a BRM in the non championship "Victory" race in 1971.
The affable and well liked Swiss pilot, was best known for his long distance sports car successes with Porsche. His funeral procession in Friberg was led with a 917 and attended by fifty thousand mourners.     

[Lou Drozdowski]

What makes a great driver?...talent, courage and determination of course. To have the right equipment at that moment in time also plays a vital role in success. Often overlooked are the poor chaps who pull the all-nighters to have the car ready for their bidding. I'm reminded of a story at the 68 Watkins Glen race...Mario Andretti was to drive the third 49 that weekend, having inked a deal with Ford with the stipulation of a fresh DFV. Chapman however forgot to mention this to the crew until late that evening. Having just unloaded the circus, the mechanics were ready for a much deserved rest when Colin told Bob Dance what he had in mind. With the engines at short supply, it was decided to have Graham's low time motor pulled and fitted to Mario's car. Graham would get a new unit while Oliver got the mule. Three engine swaps to be completed by morning. Needless to say the boys were exhausted...When Oliver arrived at the track later that morning he complained to Chapman about the spring change he requested earlier. Dance, in the rush to complete the engine turnover completely forgot about it. When Colin asked why it wasn't done Bob had no answer and only glared back at the boss. Colin then turned to Oliver...patted him on the shoulder and told him to "get on with it". ld     

[Bainford]

Wow! That first picture just blows my mind. The 49 taken completly to bits right out on the tarmac. So very raw and basic compared to todays clinical F1 endeavours. Very cool picture indeed.

[BDA]

Cars were so quaintly simple in the past! I think they were A LOT prettier!!!

I guess Mario didn't get his fresh DFV at Watkins... Oh well. He eventually got all the fresh DFVs he needed!