The Lotus-Climax Type 33 that was driven to victory in the 1965 Belgian, British, German and Syracuse Grands Prix will go on display for the first time in 40 years on 26-27 February. The car, which carried Clark to his second World Driver’s Championship, will form a central display at this year’s Race Retro show.
Chassis ‘R11’ made its winning debut at Syracuse in 1965, and just four months later 320,000 spectators at the Nordschleife saw Clark break the track record from a standing start on the opening lap and go on to claim victory in the Championship.
In 1966 the Type 33’s 1.5-litre Coventry Climax V8 engine was replaced with a 2-litre BRM powerplant, and the following year it was driven to second place at Monaco by Graham Hill.
The car was later sold to a Canadian privateer who campaigned the car in America, during which time it was fitted with an Oldsmobile V8 engine. It’s current owner bought the car in 1978 before repatriating it to the UK and carefully storing it for 38 years. Now back in the spotlight, it is set to be restored by Clive Chapman and Classic Team Lotus.
In addition to the mouthwatering display of cars in the event’s indoor show halls, more than 70 historic rally cars will be driven in anger on a bespoke rally stage running through Stoneleigh Park’s extensive grounds. Among those taking to the course are Finnish rally legends Ari Vatanen and Markku Alen. Click here for more information.
Fancy having a go yourself? This ex-Vatanen Peugeot 205 T16 could be just the ticket.
