Lotus 39 Race Car

Constructor:	Lotus
Class	Race Car
Years:	1966
Designer:	Colin Chapman
Engine:	Climax FPF engine

The Lotus 39 was a Formula racing car, built by the British motorsport team Lotus in the 1960s.

History

A Grand Prix car, developed from the 33 and intended to take the 16-Cylinder engine which never became race worthy. For the Tasman races at the beginning of 1966, it was fitted with a 2495 cc Climax engine. Although driven by Jim Clark, it was no match for Jackie Stewart's 2-litre BRM.

The Lotus 39 was based on a design concept for Formula 1 and should replace the Lotus 33. The car was designed to accommodate the 1.5-liter FWMV-16 flat engine from Climax. The car came to the faulty construction, because the Climax engine never reached the racing stage. Lotus therefore drove the entire season with the model 33 in 1965 - a correct decision, because Jim Clark won superior to the World Cup and secured Lotus also the title of constructors.

The 39 was finally built, but with the 2.5-liter Climax FPF engine in the rear. The vehicle was used in 1966 in the Tasman series, where Jim Clark was at least second in the standings behind Jackie Stewart.