Lotus 49

The Lotus 49 was a Formula One racing car designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe for the 1967 Formula One season. It was one of the first cars to feature the engine as a fully stressed member of the chassis, a design concept that would become ubiquitous in Formula One.

The car was powered by the Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, a 3.0-litre V8 that produced approximately 400 horsepower. This engine, also designed by Cosworth, was groundbreaking in its own right and its reliability and affordability revolutionized Formula One, enabling privateer teams to compete with the larger, factory-backed efforts.

The Lotus 49 was immediately successful, with Graham Hill winning its debut race at the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix. Jim Clark also achieved numerous victories with the car. The Lotus 49 won the Formula One World Championship in 1968 with Graham Hill.

The car was continually developed throughout its lifespan, with improvements made to its aerodynamics and suspension. Various iterations included the 49B, which featured more sophisticated aerodynamic aids such as wings.

The Lotus 49 was eventually replaced by the Lotus 72 in 1970, but it remains a significant car in Formula One history, not only for its success on the track but also for its innovative design and the impact it had on the sport. Its influence can still be seen in modern Formula One cars.