The Lotus 42 is an open-wheel race car built by Team Lotus for the 1967 Indianapolis 500. The car was unsuccessful that year, with Graham Hill retiring on lap 23 of the race.
| Category | USAC IndyCar |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Team Lotus |
| Designer(s) | Colin Chapman Len Terry |
| Predecessor | Lotus 38 |
| Successor | Lotus 56 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Chassis | Aluminium monocoque. |
| Suspension (front) | Double wishbones, inboard coil springs over dampers. |
| Suspension (rear) | Reverse lower wishbones, top link, twin radius rods, coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar |
| Length | 155.9 in (396 cm) |
| Width | 73 in (185 cm) |
| Height | 31 in (79 cm) |
| Axle track | Front: 60 in (152 cm) Rear: 60 in (152 cm) |
| Wheelbase | 95.9 in (244 cm) |
| Engine | Ford 4,195 cc (256.0 cu in) DOHC 90° V8, naturally aspirated, mid-mounted. |
| Transmission | ZF 2DS-20 2-speed manual gearbox. |
| Power | 520 hp (390 kW) |
| Weight | 612 kg (1,349 lb) |
| Competition history | |
| Notable entrants | Team Lotus |
| Notable drivers |  Graham Hill |
| Debut | 1967 Indianapolis 500 |
Development history
editThe Lotus 42 was designed to use the 4.2 litre version of the BRM P75 H16 engine. Unfortunately, this was even more unreliable than the 3 litre F1 variant, and was swiftly abandoned. The car was then fitted with a Ford Indy V8 engine.[1][2][3][4]
Race history
editFor the 1967 Indianapolis 500, 1966 winner Graham Hill was recruited to drive the 42. Starting from 31st place on the grid, he lasted 23 laps before piston failure ended his race. Thereafter the car was put up for sale but never raced again. A second chassis was eventually fitted with a 5 litre Chevrolet V8 engine and took part in the 1969 Canadian Formula A series, where it helped Bill Brack to third place overall.
References
edit- ^ "Team Lotus Type 42". Classic Team Lotus. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
- ^ "Lotus Race Cars - The Ultimate Guide (Every Model)". supercars.net. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
- ^ "1967 Lotus 42F Hill". formula143. 30 April 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
- ^ Allen Brown. "Lotus 42 car-by-car histories". OldRacingCars.com. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
Further reading
edit- Ferguson, Andrew (2008). Team Lotus: The Indianapolis Years. J.H. Haynes & Co. Ltd. ISBN 978-1844255221.