Lotus 32
The Lotus 32 was a Formula 2 and Formula 3 racing car designed and built by Colin Chapman's Lotus Cars in 1964. It was a development of the earlier Lotus 27, featuring a spaceframe chassis and was designed to accommodate a variety of engines depending on the racing formula it was intended for.
The Lotus 32 saw considerable success in both Formula 2 and Formula 3 racing. Drivers such as Jim Clark and Peter Arundell achieved victories in the car. It was known for its lightweight construction and nimble handling characteristics, contributing to its competitiveness.
The chassis of the Lotus 32 was a multi-tubular spaceframe, a common design element for racing cars of the era. This construction method provided a good balance of strength and lightness. The car typically used independent suspension at both the front and rear.
Several variants of the Lotus 32 were produced to meet the specific regulations of Formula 2 and Formula 3. The primary difference between these variants was the engine used, reflecting the different engine capacity limits of the two racing categories. The Formula 2 version typically used a larger capacity engine than the Formula 3 version.
The Lotus 32 contributed to Lotus's reputation for producing innovative and competitive racing cars, solidifying its place in the history of motorsport. While not as revolutionary as some of Lotus's other designs, it was a successful and well-regarded racing machine of its time.