1959 Lotus 17

The Lotus 17 was the successor to the Eleven and incorporated many of its features that had made it successful. Chapman produced the design and Len Terry made it a reality. The chassis was of multi-tubular space-frame construction suspended in place by a strut-type independent suspension in the front and the rear. The suspension would later prove to be its akilee's heel. Outboard Girling disc brakes were located in the front and inboard at the rear. Also on all four corners were Lotus magnesium alloy wheels. The steering was comprised of a rack-and-pinon unit. Most of the cars were powered by an FWA 1098cc engine that produced about 85 horsepower. The gearbox was a four-speed manual unit with Austin A30 casing and Lotus close-ratios and a hypoid bevel final drive. The result was a very compact and lightweight sports racer.

It was produced for only a short time as Lotus was unable to resolve its handling problems and oversteering characteristics. Neither privateers nor the works cars were able to score any major success with the Lotus 17.

Two Lotus 17 cars powered by Climax FWMA 750cc engines and driven by privateers were entered into the 1959 LeMans race. Both retired prematurely from the race due to distributor problems.

Lotus tried to rectify the suspension problems by fitting a double-wishbone front suspension. One of the cars with the updated suspension was driven by Phil Hill in the International Brands Hatch race where he placed third behind two Lolas. The suspension had made little difference.

The Lotus 17, which had been created to combat the dominant Lola MK1 racers, was discontinued at the end of 1959. It was replaced in 1960 by the Lotus 19.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2008