This book tells the definitive story of the Lotus 72, one of the most striking and successful racing cars in the history of Formula 1. From the drawing board to the present day, the book draws extensively from the people who were closely involved, including drivers, mechanics, team managers, as well as rival drivers and designers. The book also has an appendix covering complete chassis histories and race records for each of the nine cars built.
| “This excellent book benefits from more than 450 mostly unseen images of this magical car a must-have for any Formula One enthusiast” Vintage Racecar |
Colin Chapman and Maurice Phillippe’s striking wedge-shaped Type 72 Formula 1 car, was introduced on April 6th, 1970 as a replacement for the unsuccessful four-wheel-drive Type 63 and the ageing Type 49. Having won both the World Drivers and Constructors Championship titles in 1970, the car went through a number of different evolutions to keep it competitive, resulting in a second pair of Championships in 1972 as well as the Constructors’ Championship in 1973. It was still winning races in 1974 and scoring points in 1975! The Lotus 72 was driven by some of the great racing drivers of the 1970s such Rindt, Fittipaldi, Peterson and Ickx.
| “This study of the Lotus 72 is a beauty packed with anecdotes from drivers, designers and constructors” Octane – Book of the Month |
Lotus 72 Formula 1 Icon is a lavishly illustrated 240 page full colour publication, and its large 30x30cm format contains over 450 mostly unseen and historic images. The book was published in three versions, as either a Standard, Limited Edition or the exclusive Publisher’s Edition.
The signed and numbered Limited Editions (LE) were restricted to 250 copies, marked accordingly and presented in a slipcase with a gold foil Team Lotus badge on the front. Each LE book is distinguished by an individually numbered plate that has also been personally signed by the author, Michael Oliver.
Please note that, unfortunately, all first editions are now sold out.
However, the good news, as of October 2022, is that a revised second edition has been published.
It is only available from Classic Team Lotus. Here is the link to buy:
https://shop.classicteamlotus.co.uk/lotus-72-formula-one-icon–new-second-edition-2071-p.asp
ISBN 1902351061 (Standard First Edition) (out of print)
ISBN 1902351061 (Standard Second Edition) (published October 2022)
ISBN 1902351096 (Limited Edition)