Wheel Men...Drivers of the Lotus 49

[Lou Drozdowski]

During It's lifespan from 1967 thru 1970 the Lotus 49's were featured by Team Lotus and privateer entries.
 Campaigned in Formula One and the Australian Tasman series they included ...
Rob Walker / Jack Durlacker, Team Gunston, Ecurie Bonnier, Pete Lovely, RRC Walker racing / Brooke Bond Oxo and Scuderia Scribante.

World Champions and also-rans.... the list of Formula One pilots is formidable...In chronological order

67- Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Eppie Wietzes, Giancarlo Baghetti
68- Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Oliver, Mario Andretti, Bill Brack, Moises Solana, Jo Siffert
69- Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt, Mario Andretti, Richard Atwood, Jo Siffert, John Love, Jo Bonnier, Pete Lovely
70- Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt, John Miles, Alex Soler-Roig, Emerson Fittipaldi, Brian Redman, Dave Charlton & John Love.

The final appearance of the 49C was in 1971, with Wilson Fittipaldi finishing ninth at the Argentine Grand Prix, and Tony Trimmer finishing sixth in the Spring Cup at Oulton Park.
 

[Mecky]

Even the drivers, who did not have that great succes in F1 were really great guys!!! Siffert, Redman and Atwood for example were most succesful sportscar racers at Porsche in the 60's and 70's.

[Lou Drozdowski]

Had to post this...Two men, one goal.
 The combination of talent and colaboration to suceed remains a cornerstone in motorsports.

[Lou Drozdowski]

Had to revive this...hope you don't mind. I will try to cover the list at random in pictures for everyone to enjoy, along with your help I ask for any additional photos...remember only drivers of the 49. Thanks...ld 

[Lou Drozdowski]

Jackie Oliver...A bad day at Rouen & in the pits for some mentoring. 

[Lou Drozdowski]

From Spain and Switzerland respectfully...Alex Soler Roig & Jo Siffert w/ team owner Rob Walker.

[Lou Drozdowski]

The good...Richard Atwood with the beautiful 49...The ugly...Team Gunston and John Love...How about those wings!

ps. The Atwood photo is from Monaco 68...not Dave Charlton.   

[Valerio Leone]

I raced a couple of times with Oliver on the track!
He's simply outstanding...
Look at this video 0:52 Oliver out of Lesmo1 surfing on his Bmw 1800 TISA.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FBwRUd8DCrg

[Bainford]

Keep 'em coming, Lou. I quite enjoy these photos. Cheers.

[3929R]

 

[Lou Drozdowski]

Thanks Guys, I will keep them coming...I will post some of the less fortunate drivers together and save a full cover for the most deserving.ld

[Lou Drozdowski]

A sad ending to one of the most enduring driver /owner combinations. Jochen, was in a class by himself and prodded by Colin to become a Champion. Dominating the season prior to his death at Monza in the 72 chassis, his career to Lotus is legendary.ld       

[Lou Drozdowski]

Some called him arrogant and hard to get along with, his known displeasure of calling Chapman's cars much too fragile came to a head after he along with Graham Hill crashed at Barcelona during the emerging wing era. A young Bernie Eccelstone tried to lure him to drive for Brabham "You can drive for Lotus and win now...drive for me and survive".

[Lou Drozdowski]

An accomplished saloon driver, John Miles won the Autosport Vedoll championship in 63/64 winning 16 of 17 races in a Lotus Elan. Hired by Lotus to develop the Lotus 63/4 wheel drive car in 1969, a car both Rindt and Hill refused to drive and considered a death trap. Promoted to Lotus #2 driver after Hill broke both legs he ran the 49c to 5Th place in his first race in S. Africa. The following season in Italy he was instructed to help Jochen in the wingless 72 and take advantage of Monza's long straights. Frustrated by it's lack of down force and the untimely death of his team mate, John retired from formula one. However, his engineering degree helped him secure a position with Lotus road car division.           

[Lou Drozdowski]

For me, I have always regarded Graham as the father figure of Formula One. He was truly one of the greats. Spanning decades with drives for many constructors, his skill for steadiness was his trademark. Many stories abound of this kind and reserved man. The "Master of Monaco" the 49 seemed to suit him just fine. ld