Late debut for F2 Lotus

The unique wingless Lotus 58 Formula 2 car, tested in 1968, finally makes its competition debut in July, following restoration by Classic Team Lotus, inspired by marque nuts Malcolm Ricketts and Don Hands, who will chive it in HSCC events.

Designed by Martin Wade, it features de Dion axles all round, said to maximise tyre grip through precise camber control.Graham Hill tested it once at Hethel, but the advent of wings halted the project. Re-engineered to take a Tasman-spec 2.5-litre Cosworth DFW engine, it reappeared as the type 57. That, too, was discarded after brief trials. Lotus mechanic Bob Dance preserved the monocoque in the 70s, and colleague Eddie Dennis led the rebuild team. MP