Reviving Legends: The Lotus Type 66 and the Resurrection of a Forgotten Dream

Join this channel to get access to perks:
   / @chrisvscars  

Lotus, the iconic British sports car manufacturer, has done something awesome. It all happened at the Monterey car week of this year where lotys unveiled the Lotus Type 66, a track-focused masterpiece that brings back to life a forgotten gem from the brand's storied past. This enigmatic vehicle has not only reignited the spirit of a lost project but has also merged classic Lotus design with state-of-the-art racing technology, a true embodiment of the brand's legacy of innovation.
A Glorious Homage to an Unfulfilled Dream
Intriguingly, the Type 66 has its roots deep in the annals of Lotus history. Founded in 1948, the brand has perpetually been synonymous with racing prowess and cutting-edge engineering. The Type 66 pays tribute to a prototype design born in 1966 through the creative genius of Geoff Ferris, a dedicated draughtsman from Team Lotus. Conceived at the behest of the visionary founder, Colin Chapman, the prototype was intended for a resounding entry into the 1970 Can-Am Series. Fate, however, had different plans, as Chapman's intense focus remained on Formula 1 competitions.
The original project remained confined to intricate technical drawings and scale models, an unrealized dream encapsulated within blueprints. Today, the Type 66 emerges as a modern reinterpretation of Chapman's vision, blending the elegance of classic Lotus aesthetics with the cutting-edge performance capabilities of contemporary racing technology.
In a dazzling moment of automotive artistry, the curtain was lifted on the Lotus Type 66 at the illustrious 2023 Monterey Car Week in California, USA. The prestigious venue of 'The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering' bore witness to this reveal. The Type 66 stands as a pinnacle of Lotus engineering, destined to become one of the most exclusive offerings in the brand's history. Limited to a mere ten units, each adorned with a rumored price tag exceeding £1 million, the Type 66 is set to be an unequivocal collector's item.
The unveiling was emossional as the car was unveiled by Clive Chapman, the son of Colin Chapman and the managing director of Classic Team Lotus. A moment that bridges generations and honors the past while propelling Lotus to the future.
Now this car has some history, or let me say the development of this car as it was never actually made before now. You see the Type 66's emergence traces back to the thrilling Canadian-American Challenge Cup, more famously known as Can-Am. This motorsport saga, spanning from 1966 to 1987, showcased unprecedented racing marvels, defined by boundless innovation and raw power. Can-Am unleashed unbridled creativity, where rules where merely suggested guidelines and horsepower figures soared to mythical heights.
While Can-Am showcased luminaries like McLaren, Andretti, and Hill, Lotus remained conspicuously absent, as the brand dominated other racing genres, particularly Formula 1. However, Colin Chapman's unquenchable thirst for conquest spurred him to explore the uncharted territory of Can-Am. In 1970, he commissioned Geoff Ferris to birth a prototype for a Group 7 racer, a car that could have borne the designation of the Lotus Type 66.
The sketches illustrated a sleek, aerodynamically crafted wonder, equipped with a mid-mounted V8 powerplant and a full-width rear wing. Yet, destiny intervened, and the project's life remained confined to paper. A dormant idea that endured a hiatus of more than five decades.

#Type66 #Can-am #racing #lotus