The Lotus team began their long term sponsorship deal with John Player in 1972 and the Lotus 72D became the first of the Lotus Grand Prix cars to be painted in the famous black and gold color scheme. Emerson Fittipaldi won his third Grand Prix of the year at Brands Hatch in the first British Grand Prix to be sponsored by the company (John Player) that sponsored the Lotus team. Fittipaldi, starting in second position, Jacky Ickx (pole position), and Jackie Stewart staged a nose to tail, crowd pleasing race until Ickx dropped out with oil pressure problems on lap 49. Fittipaldi finished 4.1 seconds ahead (in Lotus 72D chassis #72-7) of his nearest championship rival, Jackie Stewart. This placed him in a excellent position to eventually become the youngest world champion ever; at the age of 25. A superb model of the slick Lotus Ford Type 72D. A Colin Chapman classic featuring hip radiators, sculptured airbox, and far out-rigged rear wing and oil tank. The successful 72s were complex, and often recalled by their British mechanics as "sods" to work on! The definitive replica honors the 1972 World Champion with intricate, accurate detail including: an exposed engine, wiring, plumbing, fuel lines, and much more. The functional steering mechanism, working suspension, and photo-etched parts and pieces just add to the realism. The detail, paint finish and racing livery are superior to anything you've ever seen!
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)