Lotus 42

{{Infobox racing car

| Car_name = Lotus 42

| Category = USAC IndyCar

| Constructor = Team Lotus

| Designer = Colin Chapman
Len Terry

| Predecessor = Lotus 38

| Successor = Lotus 56

| Team = Team Lotus

| Drivers = {{flagicon|GBR}} Graham Hill

| Technical ref =

| Chassis = Aluminium monocoque.

| Front suspension = Double wishbones, inboard coil springs over dampers.

| Rear suspension = Reverse lower wishbones, top link, twin radius rods, coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar

| Length = {{convert|155.9|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}

| Width = {{convert|73|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}

| Height = {{convert|31|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}

| Wheelbase = {{convert|95.9|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}

| Track = Front: {{convert|60|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
Rear: {{convert|60|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}

| Engine name = Ford

| Capacity = {{convert|4195|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}}

| Configuration = DOHC 90° V8,

| Turbo/NA = naturally aspirated,

| Engine position = mid-mounted.

| Power = {{cvt|520|hp|kW}}

| Gearbox name = ZF 2DS-20

| Gears = 2-speed

| Type = manual gearbox.

| Differential =

| Weight = {{convert|612|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}

| Fuel =

| Tyres =

| 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.{{cite web|url=https://classicteamlotus.co.uk/en/about/team-lotus-register-2/type-42/|title=Team Lotus Type 42|website=Classic Team Lotus|access-date=4 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.supercars.net/blog/all-brands/lotus/lotus-race-models/|title=Lotus Race Cars - The Ultimate Guide (Every Model)|website=supercars.net|access-date=4 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://formula143.org/2022/04/30/1967-lotus-42f-hill/|title=1967 Lotus 42F Hill|website=formula143|date=30 April 2022 |access-date=4 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.oldracingcars.com/lotus/42/|author=Allen Brown|title=Lotus 42 car-by-car histories|website=OldRacingCars.com|access-date=4 June 2022}}

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.

Lotus 42

Development history

Race history

References

Further reading