Lotus 42

Lotus 42

Category	USAC IndyCar
Constructor	Team Lotus
Designer(s)	Colin Chapman Len Terry
Predecessor	Lotus 38
Successor	Lotus 56
Technical specifications
Chassis	Aluminium monocoque.
Suspension (front)	Double wishbones, inboard coil springs over dampers.
Suspension (rear)	Reverse lower wishbones, top link, twin radius rods, coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar
Length	155.9 in (396 cm)
Width	73 in (185 cm)
Height	31 in (79 cm)
Axle track	Front: 60 in (152 cm) Rear: 60 in (152 cm)
Wheelbase	95.9 in (244 cm)
Engine	Ford 4,195 cc (256.0 cu in) DOHC 90° V8, naturally aspirated, mid-mounted.
Transmission	ZF 2DS-20 2-speed manual gearbox.
Power	520 hp (390 kW)
Weight	612 kg (1,349 lb)
Competition history
Notable entrants	Team Lotus
Notable drivers	Graham Hill
Debut	1967 Indianapolis 500

The Lotus 42 is an open-wheel race car built by Team Lotus for the 1967 Indianapolis 500. The car was unsuccessful that year, with Graham Hill retiring on lap 23 of the race.

Development history

The Lotus 42 was designed to use the 4.2 litre version of the BRM P75 H16 engine. Unfortunately, this was even more unreliable than the 3 litre F1 variant, and was swiftly abandoned. The car was then fitted with a Ford Indy V8 engine.^[1][2][3][4]

Race history

For the 1967 Indianapolis 500, 1966 winner Graham Hill was recruited to drive the 42. Starting from 31st place on the grid, he lasted 23 laps before piston failure ended his race. Thereafter the car was put up for sale but never raced again. A second chassis was eventually fitted with a 5 litre Chevrolet V8 engine and took part in the 1969 Canadian Formula A series, where it helped Bill Brack to third place overall.

References

1. "Team Lotus Type 42". Classic Team Lotus. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
2. "Lotus Race Cars - The Ultimate Guide (Every Model)". supercars.net. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
3. "1967 Lotus 42F Hill". formula143. 30 April 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
4. Allen Brown. "Lotus 42 car-by-car histories". OldRacingCars.com. Retrieved 4 June 2022.

Further reading

• Ferguson, Andrew (2008). Team Lotus: The Indianapolis Years. J.H. Haynes & Co. Ltd. ISBN 978-1844255221.