1960 Lotus 18 Formula Junior

The Lotus 18 Formula Junior 1960 was a race car designed to compete in the Formula Junior category of motor racing during the early 1960s. Although it was not as successful as the Lotus 18 Formula One car, it was still a highly competitive machine that was widely respected among racing enthusiasts.

At the heart of the Lotus 18 Formula Junior 1960 lay a Coventry Climax FWE engine, which was a four-cylinder unit with a displacement of 1,097cc. This engine was capable of producing up to 81 horsepower, which allowed the car to reach a top speed of around 140 miles per hour. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, which provided smooth and precise shifts between gears.

One of the most innovative features of the Lotus 18 Formula Junior 1960 was its monocoque chassis, which was a radical departure from the traditional tubular space frame design that was common at the time. This chassis was constructed from sheets of aluminum alloy that were bonded and riveted together to form a single, rigid structure. This resulted in a car that was lighter, stiffer, and more aerodynamically efficient than its rivals.

Another key feature of the Lotus 18 Formula Junior 1960 was its suspension system, which consisted of double wishbones at the front and rear. This design provided excellent handling and allowed the car to easily navigate through tight corners at high speeds.

The braking system on the Lotus 18 Formula Junior 1960 was also noteworthy, with ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. This setup provided excellent stopping power, even under the most demanding of race conditions.

Overall, the Lotus 18 Formula Junior 1960 was a beautifully designed and highly capable racing car that remains a great testament to the engineering and design skills of the Lotus team. Its combination of cutting-edge technology and classic racing aesthetics continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world.