Lotus Type 66: The Revival of a Long-Lost Racer
Lotus, the renowned British sports car manufacturer, is bringing to life a series of never-built concept cars that were once just ideas on paper. The Lotus Type 66 is the first in this exclusive collection of historically accurate creations, designed to pay homage to the past while incorporating modern materials and techniques. With a price tag of over £1 million, this track-day beast is set to make waves in the automotive world.
The original Type 66 project was commissioned by Lotus founder Colin Chapman in 1970, with the intention of entering the competitive Can-Am racing series. However, due to Chapman’s focus on Formula 1 at the time, the project never progressed beyond technical drawings and scale models. Geoff Ferris, who would later design racers for Brabham and Penske, was responsible for creating these initial designs.
If the Type 66 had made it to the grid, it would have likely been driven by two-time Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi. Clive Chapman, son of Colin and managing director of Classic Team Lotus, reveals that the Type 66 would have shared design elements with the successful Type 72 F1 car, including side-mounted radiators for improved aerodynamics.
To bring this long-lost racer to life, Lotus recreated the Type 66 digitally using 1:4- and 1:10-scale drawings provided by Chapman. The design was then modified to meet modern safety standards, with changes such as in-boarding the fuel cell and adding a fixed rollover bar. Lotus also made improvements to driveability by incorporating a sequential gearbox with a multi-plate clutch, an anti-stall system, and a reverse gear. Power steering and a race-honed anti-lock braking system (ABS) were also added.
The body of the Type 66 is constructed entirely from carbon fiber, draped over an extruded and bonded aluminum chassis. This lightweight and rigid construction is a concept that Lotus has been using in its sports cars since the iconic S1 Elise of 1996.
Powering the Type 66 is a “period-representative” pushrod V8 engine, believed to be based on a Chevrolet crate motor. With an expected output of 830bhp at 8800rpm and 550lb ft at 7400rpm, the Type 66 aims to deliver on-track performance comparable to modern GT3 sports cars. In the 1970 Can-Am championship, the top five finishers all utilized pushrod V8 engines supplied by Chevrolet, with outputs ranging from 700-800bhp.
Only 10 examples of the Type 66 will be produced, paying tribute to the 10 rounds of the 1970 Can-Am season. Each car will be handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every owner receives a truly unique and exclusive experience. However, this exclusivity comes at a price, with each Type 66 costing “in excess of £1 million.”
The Lotus Type 66 represents a fusion of past and present, combining the visionary designs of Colin Chapman with modern engineering and technology. This track-day beast is not only a testament to Lotus’s rich racing heritage but also a statement of their commitment to pushing boundaries and creating extraordinary vehicles.
As Lotus continues to revive these long-lost designs, enthusiasts and collectors can look forward to more historically accurate creations that embody the spirit of innovation and performance that defines the brand. The Type 66 is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Lotus, where the past meets the future on the race track.