Lotus 72
The wedge-shaped Lotus with side radiators and inboard brakes that won 20 Grands Prix between 1970 and 1974.
- Power
- 440 bhp
About the Lotus 72
Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe's 72 combined a wedge shape inspired by the Lotus 56 turbine car with radiators moved from the nose into sidepods, inboard brakes and wings, and in a back-to-back test it was 12 mph faster than the Lotus 49 with the same Cosworth engine. Once early suspension problems were cured, Jochen Rindt won four Grands Prix in quick succession in 1970 before he was killed at Monza when a front brake shaft failed, becoming the sport's only posthumous champion. Emerson Fittipaldi won five races in 1972 to become the youngest champion at the time, and Ronnie Peterson won four in 1973 as Lotus took a third Constructors' title with the car. Without a successful replacement it raced on until 1975, retiring with 20 wins.
Lotus 72 specs
The Lotus 72 produces 440 bhp (328 kW).
| Make | Lotus |
|---|---|
| Model | 72 |
| Years | 1970–1975 |
| Type | Race car |
| Body style | Open-wheel single-seater |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 9 built |
| Engine | 3.0L naturally aspirated V8 (Ford Cosworth DFV) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,993 cc (3.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 440 bhp (328 kW) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (Hewland FG400) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Lotus 72 rarity in CarSpot
The Lotus 72 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Lotus 72 fun facts
- Nine chassis were built, and a 72 later won the 1996 Historic Formula One Championship.
- Brazilian singer-songwriter Zé Roberto released a single called 'Lotus 72D' in 1973, inspired by Emerson Fittipaldi's win at that year's Brazilian Grand Prix.
- Its black-and-gold John Player Special colours arrived in 1972, replacing the red, cream and gold of Gold Leaf.
