Tamiya 12037 1/12 Lotus Type 78 with Photo Etched Parts

A Pioneer

Renowned as one of the pioneers of the wing car era, the Lotus Type 78 debuted in the 1977 Argentine Grand Prix to much acclaim for its sleek, aerodynamic form. The inverted gull wing shaping on the underside of its side pontoons generated significant downforce via the "ground effect," without adding significant drag, giving the Type 78 exemplary cornering speed. In the highly capable hands of Mario Andretti and Gunnar Nilsson, it triumphed in the United States Grand Prix West, and the Spanish, French, Italian and Belgian Grand Prix. It raced into the first half of the 1978 season, and helped put the Lotus team firmly back on the map.

This model kit recreates the famous Lotus Type 78, which was driven by Mario Andretti and Gunnar Nilsson. The Lotus Type 78 made its name in history as the first full-fledged wing car in Formula One. The race car has a slender body based on a sharp wedge shape, and the inside of the side pontoon has a wing shape that is upside down with inverted aircraft- like wings to achieve a greater down force effect without increasing air resistance.

Features

• 1/12 scale plastic assembly model. Length: 381mm, width: 171mm, height: 76mm.

• New decals are included to depict Goodyear logos at nose, and front /rear end plate sections.

• Coil spring suspension allows movement.

• Front tires move in unison when moving the steering wheel.

• Fuel pipe and the ignition cord components are connected to the DFV engine parts.

• Front cowl, cockpit cowl, radiator ducts, and induction box are removable.

• Photo-etched parts include brake discs, radiator, two types of front and rear wingtips, and seat buckles to complete the set.