Legendary Grand Prix cars from Lotus and Mercedes-Benz ...
Two great names are set to return to Grand Prix racing in 2010: Lotus and Mercedes-Benz. The British manufacturer will race in Formula 1 for the first time since the early 1990s and the German company last fielded a car under their own name in 1955. In 2009 we were treated to superb examples of each manufacturer's very rich heritage. Today we take a closer look at these; the Lotus 25 Climax and the Mercedes-Benz W154.
Introduced in 1962, the Lotus 25 was the very first Grand Prix car to feature an aluminium monocoque chassis. Compared to the conventional steel spaceframe, Colin Chapman's new design was lighter and also more rigid. Some teething problems regularly hampered the great Jim Clark during the 25's first season. He nevertheless racked up three victories. In 1963 all bugs were ironed out and Clark won a startling 7 Grands Prix out of a total of 10, and all in the same chassis. This is one of two genuine Lotus 25s featured in our article. Recently auctioned and beautifully restored, it was raced during the Goodwood Revival meeting in September.
Throughout 2009, the 75th anniversary of the Silver Arrow racers was marked. Today we conclude the celebrations with a detailed feature of the W154 used very effectively in 1938 and 1939. Powered by a supercharged 3-litre V12 engine, it was challenged only by Auto Union's Type D. Talented drivers like Richard Seaman, Rudolf Caracciola and Hermann Lang drove the W154 to numerous Grand Prix wins. At various events we had the opportunity to shoot three different examples. Among them was 'Wagen 7', which is the most successful of all W154s with five major victories. The ultimate pre-War Silver Arrows are captured at Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Enjoy the links:
1962 - 1963 Lotus 25 Climax - Images, Specifications and Information
1938 - 1939 Mercedes-Benz W154 - Images, Specifications and Information
If you should see a man walking down a crowded street talking aloud to himself, don't run in the opposite direction, but run towards him, because he's a poet. You have nothing to fear from the poet - but the truth.
(Ted Joans)
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