The breathtaking Lotus 21 – Widescreen Gallery
A Lotus 21 in British Racing Green. There’s not much in motor racing that is as iconic from the 1960s era of Formula 1.
Thanks to Jayson Fong, Form & Function.
A Lotus in British Racing Green. There’s not much in motor racing that is as iconic from the 1960s era of Formula 1.
But before a strong era of championship success in the 60s made by the winning form of Jim Clark and Graham Hill, Team Lotus had its first taste of Formula 1 success in the form of the Type 21 in 1961.
MORE: Learn about the five chapters of Lotus history
An interim car developed from the Type 20, the Type 21 was developed in just six weeks.
This was just in time for its debut at the season opening Monaco GP where it took 3rd and 4th. Later in the year, the 21 would take Team Lotus to victory for the very first time in a Formula 1 Championship race at the hands of Innes Ireland at Watkins Glen.
This first victory would be the first taste of the future for Team Lotus. ( Note: Stirling Moss had given the Lotus marque its first win at Monaco in 1961 driving a Rob Walker Racing entered Lotus 18)
The 21, like a majority of British Formula 1 entrants at the time was powered by the 4 cylinder Coventry Climax engine.
However, unlike the other British entrants, Colin Chapman’s engineering brilliance brought innovation to the 21 as well.
This took form in the very first use of the reclining driving position in Formula 1 and inboard suspension creating a beautiful sleek design.
MORE: Lotus track days – Have fun, go faster
Earlier this month we were lucky enough to spot a stunning ex- Jim Clark example at the Silverstone Classic and were lucky enough to have some time up close and personal. Take a look:
