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19/08/2026 11:02 am
The Lotus 72 series began in 1970 with a novel wedge design that moved the radiator from the front to twin 'saddlebags' that also helped with weight distribution. The large canards at the nose increased down-force in the front with a huge rear wing that was adjustable in the pits but legally fixed on the track. It features inboard brakes on a lightweight chassis. It was powered by a Ford-Cosworth DFV naturally aspirated 3.0 liter V8 that could produce anywhere from 440 to 460 HP with a redline of 10,000 to 10,800 rpm. 1972 was a breakout year for the Lotus 72D. Now sponsored by Imperial Tobacco John Player cigarettes, it won 5 races making Emerson Fittipaldi the youngest world champion in the history of F1.
Another striking model by Exoto in sponsor's black with gold livery and accents, it sports the Shell Gas logo although somewhere in 1972 Lotus switched to Texaco. The model also sports proper Firestone tires. This release came with a bullet sporting Fittipaldi's helmet and I added some accessories along with a Colin Chapman figure I built from a Tamiya F1 accessory kit. I think I at least got his mustache right. LOL
This topic was modified 3 months ago by Rich Sufficool
19/08/2026 11:13 am
I've always wanted a 1970 Gold Leaf 72 for Jochen Rindt.
19/08/2026 7:53 pm
Brilliant article and photos. One of my favourite F1 cars. Thanks Rich.
20/08/2026 12:51 pm
Great model, I have the Quartzo version of the exact same car with the John Player Special livery. It is nicely detailed, just not Exoto level of detail. It does display very nicely with my older F1 race cars.
This post was modified 3 months ago by Jeff G
Christopher Moroni and Rich Sufficool reacted