Tecnomodel 1:18 1971 Lotus 56B diecast model car review

Tecnomodel’s recent flurry of new announcements was augmented by the 1971 Lotus 56B, which has to be a contender for the most wedge-shaped design of all time. The 56B really did push any number of boundaries, because it was four-wheel-driven and was also powered by a gas turbine.

The Lotus 56 started life as an Indycar, as part of Colin Chapman’s ambition to be able to use the same design on both sides of the pond. The development of the machine took place during a devastating time for the team, however. Not only did its favourite son Jim Clark lose his life in a Formula Two race at Hockenheim, but his replacement Mike Spence crashed fatally while testing the 56. Three cars were entered for the 1968 Indy 500, but none of them made the finish.

Some three years later Chapman experimented with entering the machine into a handful of world championship grands prix, but unfortunately it was the same story. The car performed well in the wet conditions in practice for the non-championship Race of Champions at Brands Hatch, thanks to its four-wheel drive, but the race was dry and Emerson Fittipaldi fell through the field before retiring with rear suspension failure. Dave Walker crashed out of the Dutch Grand Prix after just five laps, while Reine Wisell didn’t complete enough laps to be classified as a finisher in the British GP.

The car’s best result came in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Fittipaldi being entered under the World Wide Racing banner and running an eye-catching gold and black livery. His car was also devoid of any aerodynamic appendages. The Brazilian took the chequered flag in eighth position, one lap behind race winner Peter Gethin.

Tecnomodel has announced 1:18 replicas of all four F1 spec. Lotus 56Bs that we have just detailed.

Click Tecnomodel 1:18 1971 Lotus 56B to order.