Description:

This is the actual Team Lotus windtunnel model used to develop the radical "twin chassis" F1
car. The "twin chassis" concept is one of two major aerodynamic innovations pioneerd by Team Lotus,
the other being ground effects in the Type 78. The "twin chassis" concept proved such a threat to
current design practice that it was immediately banned by the FIA, never being allowed to race. This is
the actual model that Team Lotus used to test the design in the windtunnel and later
attempt to explain the workings of the design to the FIA.


History

The immense downforce of the new sliding skirt ground effect designs had forced the use of
unprecedented wheel rates to restrict suspension movement.
As a result the drivers had to endure brutally rough ride characteristics and skirt failure guaranteed
a big accident. FISA introduced a ban on sliding skirts for the 1981 season.