TECNOMODEL - LOTUS - F1 18 N 9 BRITISH GP 1960 J.SURTEES

The first mid-engined Lotus was built around a tubular structure, more rigid and less complex than that of the Lotus 16. The 18 was conceived for at least three categories, with the possibility of mounting different engines: Formula 1, Formula 2 (with Climax) and Formula Junior, with the Ford 105E. In F1 the Lotus 19 achieved excellent results in 1961 thanks to Stirling Moss with the car of Rob Walker, who for contractual reasons could not use the very latest Lotus F1 model, the 21. The Rob Walker team could however fit some details of the 21. Other independent team cars received the same treatment and are often identified as 18/21.

Future world champion John Surtees made his F1 debut in 1960 at the wheel of the official team's Lotus-Climax 18 2500cc. At the British GP in Silverstone he achieved a brilliant second place, which earned him his first six points in the drivers' championship.