Lotus Seven in a Formula 1 race?

[Kitcat]

True, according to the current issue of "Remarque", the Lotus Owners Group magazine. It occurred in 2 F1 races in S Africa in 1962. Back then the F1 engines were limited to 1.5 liters and were naturally aspirated. They typically made 150 hp. And, the cars themselves weren't all that sophisticated. So Sevens were semi-competitive. Their engines were bored out and front wings and rear fenders were removed. All part of the amazing provenance of the Seven.

[11Budlite]

A little more info here: http://www.lotus7register.co.uk/springbk.htm

[Hyper]

http://joesaward.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/caterham-f1.png

 

"What is not widely known is that a Lotus 7 took part in a Formula 1 race in South Africa in December 1962. The Rand Grand Prix was held at Kyalami and attracted a sensible field, including Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Richie Ginther, Innes Ireland, John Surtees and others. It was won by Clark in his Lotus 25, followed home by Trevor Taylor in a similar car. John Surtees was third in a Reg Parnell Lola while Gary Hocking was fourth for Rob Walker. Down in 11th place was a local hero called Brausch Niemann, at the wheel of a Lotus 7, who had managed to qualify the car 21st with a lap time of 1m44.5s, which was a pretty good effort compared to Clark’s pole of 1m35.0s. Niemann was the last qualifier as the organisers had set a 1min45secs limit. Thirteen cars failed to make the cut, including some pretty sensible racing machinery from Cooper and Lotus."

 

From: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/caterham-and-f1/

[Kitcat]

No roll-over bars:).

[BMW RACER]

Probably not much in the way of seat belts either!!

 

Better to be thrown clear of the wreck!!