Page 1 of 1 At the start of the 1964 season, the popular Formula Junior class was replaced by the newly created Formula 3 and Formula 2 classes. For each of the new classes, Lotus developed specific cars; the Type 31 and Type 32 specifically. Whereas the Type 31 harked back at earlier designs with a spaceframe chassis, the Type 32 followed the lines of the successful Type 27 Formula Junior racer with its sophisticated monocoque design.
In fact, the Type 32 was more closely related to the Type 25 F1 car in terms of dimensions and the use of higher gauge metal sheets for the full length, bathtub monocoque. Like its bigger brother, it featured in-board front suspension, actuated by rockers and multi-link rear suspension. In F2 trim, the Type 32 was powered by the Ford Cosworth SCA, which displaced just under 1,000 cc and thanks to a pair of Weber carburettors, produced around 115 bhp.
Team Lotus fielded four cars during the 1964 season but its primary drivers Jim Clark and Mike Spence could not compete in all rounds due to conflicting schedules. Clark nevertheless won three races and Spence won a further round. Among the stand-ins for Clark and Spence was a young Jackie Stewart, who also won a F2 round. At the end of the year, the Lotus 32 had won seven of the 18 major Formula 2 races.
At the end of 1964, one Lotus 32 was modified specifically for Clark to be used in the popular Tasman series 'Down Under' early the following. It was fitted with a rear subframe to accommodate a 2.5-litre Coventry Climax engine and a ZF gearbox. Dubbed the Type 32B, it was hugely successful as Clark won nine races, including five rounds of the main championship. As a result, Clark was crowned Tasman champion at the start of what would be his most successful season.
For the 1965 season, the Type 31 and Type 32 were replaced by the Type 35, which was available with a choice of Cosworth-tuned engines for the car to classify as an F2 or an F3. Page 1 of 1
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At the start of the 1964 season, the popular Formula Junior class was replaced by the newly created Formula 3 and Formula 2 classes. For each of the new classes, Lotus developed specific cars; the Type 31 and Type 32 specifically. Whereas the Type 31 harked back at earlier designs with a spaceframe chassis, the Type 32 followed the lines of the successful Type 27 Formula Junior racer with its sophisticated monocoque design.