The Lotus 16 was the second car designed by Colin Chapman for Formula 1 racing. The car was designed to be lower and the engine was mounted on a angle and then tilted to allow the drive shaft to run beside the driver to the offset transaxle. This unequal weight distribution caused handling problems and during development the engine was moved around to compensate but was always mounted on an angle. The car was campaigned form 1958 to 1960, often retiring due to mechanical failures and was not considered successful. In the picture below, the driver sat almost on the transaxle with his clutch leg passing over the drive shaft tunnel. The fuel tank was located on the fin behind the driver.
2 comments:
I would not be a fan of that drivetrain arrangement, "tunnel" or not.
That's what struck me, a lot of heavy duty whirring bits very close to vital body parts. And the backrest is a gas tank. Thanks.
Post a Comment