TECNOMODEL - LOTUS - F1 18 N 24 USA GP 1960 J.HALL

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.

Jim Hall, creator of the legendary Chaparral brand, also took part in some Formula 1 GPs. He made his debut at the US GP, at Riverside, in 1960, at the wheel of a Lotus powered by a Climax 2500cc engine entered by himself; having qualified in 12th place, he finished the race in an honorable seventh position.