Formula 1 car Lotus-Climax Type 12 will be auctioned (5 photos)

At the Bonhams auction, which will be held on May 10 in Monaco, a sports car called one of the most historically significant for British motorsport will be put up for auction. This is the Lotus-Climax Type 12 formula car, chassis No. 353, with which the famous brand made its Formula 1 debut in 1958. They expect to earn from 290 to 390 thousand euros for the rare sports car from Lotus.





The Lotus Type 12 was the first single-seat track sports car designed by brand founder Colin Chapman. This model was originally designed for Formula 2 racing, but after a number of victories in this series in the 1957 season, Lotus decided to try its hand at the top division.

In accordance with the regulations of the junior series, the Lotus Type 12 was equipped with a one and a half liter engine. Formula 1 rules allowed the use of engines up to 2.5 liters, but Lotus simply did not have such a power unit. Therefore, the Coventry Climax company increased the displacement of the standard engine to 1960 cubic centimeters: the developers considered that this would be enough for the ultra-light chassis.

A total of seven Type 12s were built, but auctioneers claim that the one put up for sale was the first. At the wheel of this particular sports car, factory driver Graham Hill (future two-time world champion) first competed in standard Formula 1 racing for the Lotus team. This happened on May 3, 1958 at the British Silverstone circuit as part of the BRDC International Trophy race, which was not formally related to the world championship, but was held according to formula rules. Lotus' full debut in F-1 took place two weeks later - on May 18 in Monaco. The team used the Type 12 for two seasons, but achieved no significant success.

Chassis No. 353, after finishing its factory racing career, was sold to a private racer and after that changed both owners and location several times. Now, according to the auction house, the rarity is in excellent condition, as it relatively recently underwent a comprehensive restoration.