Tamiya 1/20 20060 Tamiya 1/20 Lotus 79 Plastic F1 Car Kit
The assembled models front and rear upper cowls can be removed after assembly to view the engine and cockpit area. The monocoque chassis, suspension, and engine have been precisely reproduced. Synthetic rubber tires included. Top quality decals to depict the Lotus seen at both British and German GP's, which did not feature JPS markings, are included. Newly designed tires and metal funnel covers included. Add further detail to your model with Item (12635) photo-etched parts set.
In 1977, Lotus introduced a ground effect car, the Type 78 which had a slim monocoque chassis and wide side pontoons with undersurfaces like inverted aircraft wings. Round 6 Belgium GP in the 1978 season saw the introduction of the further evolved Type 79. The fuel tanks were placed behind the cockpit and the rear suspension featured effective inboard dampers. Mario Andretti was paired with Ronnie Peterson that year, and the former drove the car to an impressive pole-to-finish debut win. More success followed, with Andretti taking 5 wins to claim the drivers' championship and Peterson adding another win to help the team claim the constructors' title. The Type 79 greatly influenced later F1 machines and its overwhelming speed as well as graceful design and livery earned it the nickname “Black Beauty.”