Page 1 of 2 Next >> When Maurice Philippe and Colin Chapman designed the gas-turbine powered Type 56 for the 1968 Indy 500, a Formula 1 version was also planned. Other projects took priority, and the Type 56B Grand Prix car did not appear until the 1971 season. It was a further development of the existing Type 56 with modifications made to suit the specific needs of Grand Prix racing.
Carried over from the Indy racer was the Pratt & Whitney-sourced engine. Dubbed the STN 6/76, this was a further development of the gas-turbine unit originally designed for use in turbo-prop aircraft. Revving to 45,000 rpm, it produced close to 475 bhp. Through a single-speed gearbox and using a Ferguson sourced all-wheel drive system, the power was directly to all four wheels.
The drivetrain was mounted in a full-length, bath-tub style monocoque chassis. The front- and rear-suspension was through double wishbones. The coil springs and dampers were mounted vertically and in-board, and were actuated by rockers from the top wishbones. The Girling-supplied ventilated discs were also mounted in-board on all four corners.
Compared to the original Type 56, the Formula 1 version had additional tanks in the flanks to make sure the car could complete the full race distance with the thirsty gas-turbine engine. The wedge shape was retained but wings were added to the nose and tail of the car to increase downforce for the slower circuits. Like the other Team Lotus cars, the Type 56B was also finished in Gold Leaf Colours. Page 1 of 2 Next >>
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When Maurice Philippe and Colin Chapman designed the gas-turbine powered Type 56 for the 1968 Indy 500, a Formula 1 version was also planned. Other projects took priority, and the Type 56B Grand Prix car did not appear until the 1971 season. It was a further development of the existing Type 56 with modifications made to suit the specific needs of Grand Prix racing.