THE ENGINEERING

With simplicity being key, the essentials were to minimise power losses, reduce frontal area and keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. 

Type 18 - Formula Junior
The first appearance of the Type 18 was as a prototype aluminium-bodied Formula Junior car. Although very different from the 1959 Lotus 16, the overall concept was still very much Lotus.

This included a spaceframe chassis with the forward section fully triangulated – a complete structure in itself which carried mountings for the front suspension, pedals, brake and clutch master cylinders and steering rack. 

To enhance optimal weight distribution, the gas tank was placed above the knees of the driver. Brakes at both the front and rear were 9x1 ¾”outboard Lockheed systems. They were fitted with aluminium Alfin drums to ensure better cooling.

Type 18 - Formula One 
The year turned 1960. While the Formula Junior was at Goodwood for further development, a Formula One version of the Type 18 was built for the first GP of the season. The latest 2495cc Coventry Climax was the engine of choice. While the 5-speed sequential gearbox of the Type 12 - affectionately dubbed ‘Queerbox’ - was significantly improved. 

Higher speeds and a heavier engine lead to the choice of disc brakes for the Formula One car — as opposed to the drums of the Junior. When it came to the fuel tank, the setup for the Type 18 F1 was the same as with the Formula Junior. It was situated in front of the driver, above his knees. 

In order to cope with the distances at Grand Prix events, an additional 9 gallon tank was placed to the right of and behind the driver’s seat.

THE RACING YEARS

Lotus Type 18 ​​debuted at a Brands Hatch meeting on Boxing Day 1959. It was introduced for the 1960 F1, F2 and FJ seasons, with about 27 examples of the F1 and F2 versions and 110 of the FJ versions. The 1960 Argentine Grand Prix marked the official debut of the Type 18 Formula One.

With its remarkably good handling and unique suspension system, the Lotus 18 quickly proved to be faster than any car Grand Prix racing had ever seen.

The 18 was replaced by the Lotus 21 in Formula One and the Lotus 20 in Formula Junior in 1961.

THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

That maiden race on Boxing Day ‘59 was not an auspicious start, with the 18 finishing seventh. Performances quickly improved, and with three new Team Lotus drivers competing during the 1960 Formula Junior season, the car won almost every UK race it entered.

Today, the Lotus Type 18 is best remembered as a Formula 1 car – also in 1960 – and for its association with the late Sir Stirling Moss, who took the first-ever F1 victory for a Lotus car.

First-ever F1 win
At a rain-affected Monaco Grand Prix on 29 May 1960 he drove relentlessly through the city streets to take the chequered flag by almost a minute from Bruce McLaren. Moss also drove to victory in the US Grand Prix at the end of the season, securing the 2nd place for Lotus in the constructor’s championship. 

1961 proved to be equally successful. Moss repeated his Monaco win, won at the Nürburgring, while Innes Ireland took a 3rd win in the USA — helping Lotus finish 2nd in the constructor’s championship once again.

THE DRIVERS

The Lotus 18 seated an impressive lineup of British drivers, with the likes of Stirling Moss, Innes Ireland and Alan Stacey. While the 18 is also notable for giving a certain Jim Clark his first Grand Prix start in 1960.