Lotus 19
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| Lotus 19 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lotus Cars |
| Production | 1960-1962 |
| Predecessor | Lotus 18 |
| Class | Sports Racer |
| Body style | Fiberglass Space frame |
| Engine | 2496 cc Coventry Climax 289 ci Ford |
| Wheelbase | 95 inches |
| Length | 141 inches |
| Width | 60.5 inches |
| Height | 31 inches |
| Curb weight | 1000 pounds to 1240 pounds (kerb) |
The Lotus 19 or Monte Carlo was a racing car designed by Colin Chapman of Lotus and built from 1960 until 1963. The 19 was a widened version of the successful Lotus 18 Formula 1 car, was the first Lotus with a mid-engine and was physically capable of carrying two people although never required to do so.
Contents |
[edit] The Lotus 19
The 19 was a mid-engine rear wheel drive sports racer with a fiberglass body over a tube frame based on the principals of the successful Lotus 18 and was originally fitted with a 2496 cc Coventry Climax engine. The cars body was similar in appearance to both the Lotus Eleven and the Lotus 23 while having the engine behind the driver.
Colin Chapman named the car the "Monte Carlo" to honor "Stirling Moss" for his win at the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix. This choice is said to mimic a decision by the Cooper car company to name the Cooper Monaco after a win with their Formula 1 car at the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix.
[edit] The 19B
Towards the end of 1963, Dan Gurney, who had enjoyed considerable success at the wheel of the Arciero Brothers Lotus 19-Climax, had another Lotus 19 built with a King Cobra Ford 289 engine.
This was specially adapted by the Lotus factory for Gurney, reportedly with larger diameter frame tubes and different engine mounts. Because of its unique specification, it was known as the Mk19B, the only Lotus 19 given this designation. Originally delivered in a red livery, the car first appeared at Nassau in December 1963. Later, in 1964, Gurney secured sponsorship from Pacesetter Homes and the car was re-livered in white and blue.
The car's weak spot was its Colotti transmission, the failure of which led to a number of retirements and eventually, in 1965, Gurney sold the car. It went through several owners before being acquired by Gordon and Nancy Gimbel. Today the car regularly appears at historic events in the US.
Although the 19B was the first 'factory-approved' effort using a V8 engine, several other owners experimented with conversions to American V8 motors. Jerry Grant, Bob Colombosian and Rod Carveth all powered their Lotus 19s with the aluminum Buick V8 as early as 1962. Canadian Norm Namerow was the first to actually compete in a 289 Ford-powered 19 in October 1963, although Lloyd Ruby raced the Harrison Special (a converted Lotus 19) with a Ford 289 a week earlier.
[edit] Chassis Numbers
There were 17 original Lotus 19 cars built however many were wrecked and some were completely rebuilt. More cars are reported today than were built.
| Chassis | Original Owner | Motor |
|---|---|---|
| 950 | British Racing Partnership | 2.5 Climax |
| 951 | Arciero Brothers | 2.5 Climax |
| 952 | British Racing Partnership Sold to Team Rosebud. | 2.0 Climax/Ferrari V-12 3.0 in 1963 |
| 953 | British Racing Partnership | 2.5 Climax |
| 954 | J. Frank Harrison | 2.5 Climax later as Harrison Special-289 Ford |
| 955 | Jack Nethercutt | 2.5 Climax |
| 956 | Charles Vogele | 2.5 Climax changed to 2.0 Climax for Hillclimbs |
| 957 | Tom Carstens | Empty - 3.5 Buick fitted changed to Chevy V8 |
| 958 | Roy Schechter | 2.5 Climax |
| 959 | Peter Ryan | 2.5 Climax Engine |
| 960 | Robert Publicker | 1.5 Climax |
| 961 | Dr Harry Zweifel | 2.0 Climax for Hillclimbs |
| 962 | Rod Carveth | Empty - 3.5 Buick fitted |
| 963 | Henry Olds/Bob Colombosian | Empty - 3.5 Buick fitted |
| 964 | John Coundley | 2.5 Climax |
| 965 | Mecom Racing Team | empty - 2.0 Climax fitted changed to 3.5 Buick |
| 966 | Dan Gurney | 289 Ford |
[edit] External links
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