Lotus Type 33 | The Type 25 Successor That Won Jim Clark Another World Title

LOTUS
TYPE 33

The one that brought Clark his 2nd F1 World Championship

TYPE 25 INCARNATED

LOTUS TYPE 33 – THE PERFECT SUCCESSOR

The Lotus Type 33 was the ultimate development of the groundbreaking Type 25 Formula 1 car, designed and built in 1962. In fact, its chassis numbering sequence even carried on directly from the Type 25’s — making it a Lotus Type 25 evolution in every sense of the word.

Although the cars were strikingly similar visually, no parts were interchangeable between the two models. The thing that was interchangeable was the fact that both cars helped Jim Clark excel like only he could. Allowing him to win the Lotus Type 33 World Championship title in a dominating fashion, his second F1 crown, while also securing Lotus' second F1 Constructors’ Championship.  

REFINED MONOCOQUE DESIGN

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The Lotus Type 33 was a true Lotus Type 25 evolution. Featuring straight cockpit sides from seat to pedal box, which improved driver space and made the monocoque stronger and simpler to build.

THE ENGINEERING

REFINED MONOCOQUE DESIGN OF THE LOTUS TYPE 33

Lotus engineers evolved every detail from the Type 25B’s proven design. Lotus Type 33 was built around a revised monocoque with straight cockpit sides running from the seat to the pedal box, improving structural strength and simplifying construction. The wheelbase grew by three-quarters of an inch to house the latest Coventry Climax V8 engine.

Suspension upgrade
The suspension essentially followed the improvements of Type 25B, which initially had very lightweight components made of thin-wall chromed steel. Unfortunately these proved to be very brittle when Jim Clark tested the car on the track. 

More conventional tubing soon replaced it. The main aspect of the 33’s suspension is that it was developed to work with Dunlop’s smaller 13-inch wheel and tyre combination.

Wheel optimisation
In the 1965 Formula 1 season, at the Belgian GP in June, Team Lotus converted the cars from the earlier wobbly-web wheels to cast-alloy 6-spoke wheels to one with knock-off wheel centre fixings. A newer, lighter wheel technology that made it easier and quicker to get the wheels on and off, and provided better brake cooling.

THE RACING YEARS

LOTUS 33 FORMULA 1 DEBUT AND EARLY STRUGGLES

The Lotus 33 Formula 1 debuted at the 1964 Aintree 200 with Jim Clark in chassis R8, but a crash meant it spent two months in repair. Clark returned to his trusty Type 25 for most of the rest of the 1964 season. Both Clark and Mike Spence raced Type 33s at Nürburgring in the German GP, but with little success.

Before the great successes came, Type 33 marked another milestone. 

Sir Jackie Stewart made a rare Lotus appearance driving a Type 33 in the non-championship Rand Grand Prix as a replacement for Clark, apparently injured in a snowball fight (true story).

Jim Clark Type 33 dominance in 1965
The 1965 season marked the Type 33’s peak. Jim Clark dominated the Formula 1 World Championship, taking 6 wins — 5 in the Lotus Type 33 — and securing his 2nd Drivers’ title. Team Lotus also claimed 3 non-championship victories, with Mike Spence winning the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch.

The 3.0L engine shift
In 1966, Formula 1 regulations shifted, allowing engines up to 3.0-litres. Lotus introduced the Type 43 with the intention to fade out Type 33 during the season. It proved to be a reliable backup however for the heavyweight and more troublesome BRM-H16 powered Type 43. A single Type 33 was built to the 3-litre formula.

Against the newer machinery from Brabham and Ferrari, the 33 still achieved strong results, including Clark’s third place at the British GP.

Clark raced the Type 33 again in 1967, when it was adapted into the 33T for the Tasman Championship Lotus 33 campaign. He dominated the series, winning five of eight races, before the model was retired in favour of the Lotus Type 49.

THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

LOTUS TYPE 33 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WINS

T1965 proved to be the ultimate year for Jim Clark Type 33. A partnership that carried Jim Clark to the Drivers’ Championship and helped Lotus secure the Constructors’ title. Across that season, the Lotus 33 Grand Prix car proved consistently quick and reliable, winning the majority of Clark’s races and several non-championship events.

The Tasman Championship campaign in 1967 capped the 33’s career with yet another dominant display. Confirming its place among Lotus’ most successful evolutions.

Jim Clark’s Magnum Opus
The F1 title in the Type 33 was just one part of what was achieved that season. Clark also managed to claim the titles of the British F2, Europe F2 and Tasman series, and conquered the US with the coveted Indy 500 victory, while a Lotus Cortina won the European Touring Cars. An incredible feat that no team or driver has ever come close to since.

THE DRIVERS

JIM CLARK TYPE 33 PARTNERSHIP AND TITLES

Jim Clark was the Type 33’s standout driver, winning the 1965 title and the 1967 Tasman Series with it.

Mike Spence contributed with podiums and a Race of Champions win. Jackie Stewart, Peter Arundell, Pedro Rodríguez, and Dickie Stoop were all Lotus 33 drivers in select events. Each contributing to the legacy of the Type 33’s brief but brilliant run.