Description
The 1967 Lotus Type 49 is a groundbreaking Formula 1 car designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, widely regarded as one of the most innovative race cars in history. Introduced at the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix, it was the first F1 car to utilize the engine as a fully stressed structural component, a revolutionary design that became a standard in motorsport. The Type 49 was powered by the Ford-Cosworth DFV (Double Four-Valve) engine, which debuted in this car and went on to dominate Formula 1 for over a decade. With its lightweight construction, aerodynamic simplicity, and exceptional power-to-weight ratio, the Type 49 achieved immediate success, winning its debut race with Jim Clark behind the wheel. It continued to earn victories and titles, cementing Lotus as a leader in engineering ingenuity and leaving an enduring legacy in motorsport history.
