Racing Heritage Meets Modern Speed
Some might call it an archeological dig through motorsport history; others, a resurrection of a ghost from the past. Yet, whatever you dub it, the unveiling of the Lotus Type 66 is nothing short of automotive alchemy. A conceptual specter that once haunted the technical drawings of Lotus’ storied heritage has been brought back to the corporeal world—and let me tell you, it's captivating.
Where else could this reincarnation occur but at the storied grounds of The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering, as part of Monterey Car Week? The atmosphere is thick with the scent of petrol and luxury, and the crowd's eyes are wide with the kind of awe usually reserved for the Sistine Chapel. You're surrounded by machines that are more art than utility, vehicles that speak to you, narrate a tale, and carry you to a different time or a different world. It's here that the Type 66 feels at home.
Crafted as a ‘lost Lotus’ from the annals of time, the Type 66 is essentially a riddle solved half a century after it was first proposed. A vision penned by Colin Chapman, Lotus' illustrious founder, and his draughtsman Geoff Ferris, aimed at the Can-Am series but sadly never realized. If a time machine were invented, the original designers would no doubt gaze at this masterpiece in awe and think: “Yep, that's exactly what we had in mind.”
Priced at a cool £1 million-plus, the Type 66 isn't for everyone—indeed, with only 10 ever to be made, it can't be. These ten are earmarked for souls adventurous enough to grapple with the raw potency of more than 830 horsepower packed into a V8 push-rod engine that screams and roars at 8,800 rpm. It’s a tribute to the ten races the car would have seen in the 1970 Can-Am season, an echo of a potential future that now, at last, has been realized.
Let's delve into the heart of this beautiful enigma. The modern creature comforts are subtly infused to accentuate, not overshadow, the vehicle’s vintage soul. There's an EPASS motorsport power steering column, a sequential racing gearbox with reverse, and an anti-stall multi-plate clutch. Oh, and don't forget that fixed rollover bar. All these features ensure that while you’re transported back in time, you aren't sacrificing anything from today’s technological toolkit.
The exterior is drenched in the red, white, and gold colors that Lotus bore in the early ‘70s, a visual symphony that serves as a warm embrace to Lotus loyalists and a nostalgic tip of the hat to that illustrious era. All of this is contained in a full carbon fiber bodyshell, culminating in a machine that respects its lineage while unapologetically flaunting its modernity.
Every minute detail of this project has been fine-tuned to perfection, including a remarkable aerodynamic architecture that ensures downforce in excess of 800kg at 150mph. Yes, you read that right. This is a car that could likely outrun a modern GT3 racer, paying homage to its spiritual ancestor—the Lotus Type 72 F1 car—and maybe even beating it at its own game.
Emerson Fittipaldi, a Lotus F1 legend, would have likely been the charioteer of this beast had it existed in the '70s. Now, in a world where we can relive and reimagine the past with the tools of the future, the Type 66 stands as a testament to the unfulfilled dreams of a bygone era. An era now brought to life, and an icon resurrected for a handful of enthusiasts willing to part with seven figures for the privilege of owning a piece of history.
In a time when the lines between the past and present are continually blurring, the Lotus Type 66 arrives as a gorgeous reminder that sometimes, looking back can propel you faster into the future. This isn't just a car; it's a rolling narrative, a storybook with a throttle, a piece of art that moves not just through space, but also through time.
Pros:
- Heritage and Authenticity: Reviving a design that was shelved over half a century ago, the Type 66 embodies the spirit of Lotus’ storied racing past. It's not just a car; it's a tangible piece of history reimagined.
- State-of-the-Art Engineering: Benefitting from modern advancements in aerodynamics, materials, and engineering, the car packs a more-than-impressive 830bhp and generates downforce in excess of 800kg at 150mph. This is a beast that can go toe-to-toe with modern GT3 race cars.
- Exclusivity: With only 10 units to be produced, owning a Type 66 isn’t just a statement; it’s a privilege. The high price tag ensures an elite ownership circle.
- Artistic Design: Drawing on the iconic red, white, and gold livery of Lotus' golden era, the Type 66 is as much an art piece as it is a machine. It's beautiful enough to make you weep.
- Painstaking Craftsmanship: With a full carbon fiber bodyshell and a host of bespoke, modern-day components, this isn't some slapped-together tribute; it’s a finely tuned instrument of speed.
- Historical Significance: Conceived during an era of intense innovation by the legendary Colin Chapman himself, and seen through by his son Clive Chapman, the car's provenance is beyond question.
- Modern Comforts: Despite its ferocious capabilities, the car offers features like an EPASS motorsport power steering column, a race ABS braking system, and a sequential racing gearbox, making it not just fast, but also manageable.
Cons:
- High Cost: With each unit costing in excess of £1million, this is not a car for the faint of wallet. It’s an investment, both emotional and financial.
- Track-Only: The Type 66 is not street-legal, limiting its use to track days and special events. A chariot you can only ride on occasion.
- High Maintenance: Given its high-performance specs and limited production run, maintaining the Type 66 is likely to be both complex and expensive.
- Not for Beginners: The advanced engineering and brute force of this car require a driver with considerable skill. This isn't a machine for casual Sunday drives; it's a precision instrument that demands respect.
- Limited Availability: The double-edged sword of exclusivity means that even if you have the means, you might not get your hands on one. A masterpiece so rare, it's almost mythical.
- Nostalgia Tax: While its historical connections add to its allure, some may see the Type 66 as Lotus capitalizing on its past glories rather than innovating for the future.
In conclusion, the Lotus Type 66 is a reincarnation of what could have been, now brought to life through the blend of heritage and cutting-edge technology. It's not just a car; it's an experience, a legend reborn. But legends come with their own set of challenges, and the Type 66 is no exception. It demands not just a financial investment, but an emotional and skill-based one as well. If you're up for that, then step right up—destiny, you see, doesn't wait around.
£1 million (US$1,273,520)
