In a remarkable blend of history and motorsport legacy, the first-ever Lotus Formula 1 car, the Lotus-Climax Type 12, is gearing up for a monumental return to Monaco. However, this return, 66 years after its debut, isn’t for a race but for a prestigious auction where it’s expected to command between €290,000 and €390,000 ($313,500-$421,600). This vehicle not only marks Lotus’ foray into Formula 1 racing but also represents a pivotal moment in the sport’s history.
Driven by the legendary Graham Hill, chassis number 353 made a promising start at the Monaco Grand Prix, leading the race momentarily before a technical failure forced a retirement. Initially competing in Formula 2, the Type 12 was upgraded by Coventry Climax from a 1500 cc to a 1960 cc engine to qualify for Formula 1, despite being underpowered compared to its 2.5-liter competitors. The car demonstrated potential, particularly on circuits that favored agility over raw power, though reliability issues plagued its performance.
The Lotus Type 12’s competitive journey didn’t yield victories, but it laid the groundwork for Lotus’ eventual dominance in Formula 1, leading to seven Constructors’ World Championships and six drivers’ titles won by icons like Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Mario Andretti. Lotus secured 74 Grand Prix victories throughout its tenure in Formula 1, a testament to the foundation laid by the Type 12.
After its Formula 1 campaign, chassis 353 passed through the hands of privateers and racers across the globe, including Britain’s Bruce Halford and Italy’s Maria Teresa de Filippis, before being fully restored by its current owner. The car’s well-documented history and significant place in motorsport make it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
As it heads to the auction block at Bonham’s Les Grandes Marques à Monaco sale on May 10, the Lotus-Climax Type 12 is not just selling as a vehicle but as a piece of racing history. Clive Chapman, head of Classic Team Lotus and son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, expressed his admiration for the car’s well-documented legacy, underlining the importance of preserving such historic machines. This auction represents a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a significant part of Formula 1’s storied past.
Shawn Henry