About the Lotus 25 Coventry ClimaxThroughout the history of Formula 1 Grand Prix starting from 1950, Formula 1 cars have undergone numerous innovative developments. Many of them were accomplished by the Team Lotus led by a genius, Colin Chapman. Above all, invention of the monocoque construction chassis was one of his most epoch-making creations. It was in 1962 when the Team Lotus entered their Lotus 25 using the monocoque construction chassis for the first time in the Formula one history. The monocoque frame formed by bending thin aluminum plates made it possible to obtain rigidity and lighter weight at the same time, compared to the "Space Frame" construction with steel pipes which was commonly used until then. The Lotus 25 was powered by the highly reliable 1.5 liter, V8 cylinder engine developed by the Coventry Climax. The front suspension system used rocking arm inboard spring type, while the rear end used lower A and upper I arms with two radius rods. With the talented driver Jim Clark at the wheel, the Lotus 25 earned three victories in its debut season of 1962. In the following 1963 season, the Lotus 25 and Jim Clark gained stunning seven victories out of ten races, bringing not only the driver's championship to him but also the manufacturer's title to Lotus for the first time. With its innovative features, the Lotus 25 had a profound influence in the design of the Formula 1 cars, and the glorious history of the Lotus arose from this car.  |
