Throughout 2023, Lotus celebrated the company's 75th anniversary. To mark this occasion, we have taken a closer look at three iconic Lotus competition cars, which we have seen in action this year. The rarest and most spectacular of the trio is the unique Type 56B. Built for the 1971 Formula 1 World Championship, it is equipped with a Pratt & Whitney turbine engine and features all-wheel drive. Raced seven times that year, it especially excelled in the wet. Set aside at the end of 1971, the sole Type 56B has survived in highly original condition and was only recently returned to full running order by Classic Team Lotus. It was demonstrated at the Goodwood Revival as part of the Lotus 75 celebrations.
Also out on track at Goodwood was this particularly striking Type 15. Sold new to United States, this chassis was raced with considerable success, wearing a very distinct orange and white colour scheme. Used on the road for many years, chassis 614 has been with the same owner since 1999.
A few weeks later, we saw this Climax-engined Type 19 at the Estoril Classics. Originally campaigned by a talented Canadian racer, it is today part of a Danish stable of Lotus competition cars. At Estoril, 959 was driven to victory in the Fifties' Legends race.
In time for the 2024 season, Ginetta have rolled out the 'Evo' version of the very accomplished G56 GT4 racer. Once again powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine, it features improved cooling, larger wheels and many detail changes aimed to improve performance. During the first year, Ginetta intend to produce 18 examples of the G56 GT4 Evo.

Enjoy the links:

2024 Ginetta G56 GT4 Evo

1971 Lotus 56B Pratt & Whitney

1961 Lotus 19 Climax (959)

1958 Lotus 15 Climax (614)