1962 Lotus Type 19

The mid-engined Lotus Type 19 was produced from 1960 through 1962 and based on the Type 18 and fitted with a fiberglass body over a classic Lotus tube spaceframe. Initially, the Type 19 was powered by a 2496cc (2.5-liter) Coventry Climax engine. Engine capacities varied, ranging from 1.5 to 2.75 liters.

A total of seventeen examples of the Type 19 were constructed.

The Type 19 was given the name 'Monte Carlo' by Colin Chapman in honor of Stirling Moss's victory at the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix. This was Lotus's first in Formula 1 competition.

Stirling Moss tested the Lotus in July of 1960, and it made a winning race debut at Karlskoga in Sweden that year. The Type 19 was very successful, winning at home and overseas, piloted by many of the top drivers of the era, including Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Innes Ireland, and the late Stirling Moss.

Among the racing accomplishments were victories at the 1961 Canadian Grand Prix driven by Peter Ryan and a victory at the 1962 Daytona 3 Hours by Dan Gurney. Innes Ireland placed first at the 1962 Nassau Trophy Race, and Frank Matich captured the checkered flag at the Australian Tourist Trophy in 1964.

Specification
The Lotus 19 rested on a 95-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 141 inches, a height of 31 inches, and a width of 60.5 inches. The Coventry Climax FPF engine was placed mid-ship and powered the rear wheels. It was paired with Lotus' own five-speed sequential transaxle nicknamed 'Queerbox.' Although this gearbox had been problematic on the Lotus 15, updates resulted in a reliable unit for the Lotus 18. Most of the examples destined for the American market received a Colotti transaxle.

Nine Lotus 19 originally housed 2.5-liter Climax engines, two received 2.0-liter Climax engines, and a single example was powered by a 1.5-liter Climax engine. Four examples were delivered sans engine, with three later receiving 3.5-liter Buick engines, the fourth was given a 2.0-liter Climax engine that was later exchanged for a 3.5-liter Buick. Chassis number 952 originally housed a 2.0-liter Climax engine, but this was later swapped with a 3.0-liter Ferrari V12 unit in 1963.

The Lotus 19 was replaced by the Colin Chapman and Martin Wade-designed Lotus 30 in 1964.

The Lotus 19B
John Klug, founder of Pacesetter Homes Racing, commissioned Lotus to build a special Type 19 utilizing an iron block, 289 cubic-inch Ford V8 engine with a Colotti transaxle. Built near the close of 1963, the car was finished in southern California by Roy Campbell, and driving duties were tasked to Dan Gurney. This was the only Lotus 19 built in this configuration, thus leading to its unique designation as a Lotus 19B.

Finished in a red livery, the car made its competition debut in December of 1963 at Nassau. It proved to be tremendously fast, but its Achilles heel was its Colotti transaxle, which often led to early retirement. Like most racing cars, its competitive lifespan was brief, and by mid-1965, it was obsolete.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2010