The most important car design in F1's history?

[@eddieconroy212]

The 49 was indeed a benchmark in racing car design. The Lotus 72 took the whole thing forward again. It would be good to see a video of that.

[@chicobicalho5621]

Imagine if CC had had the idea to place two radiators next to the driver back then!

[@DL-ls5sy]

I agree with all but remember : Lancia D50 (1955) Ferrari 1512 (1964/65) BRM H16 (1966) Lotus 43 H16 (1966) and Lotus 42 BRM Indy car (1966) Engine acts also as stress member

[@f1matt]

What an incredible machine. Built the 1/12 Tamiya kit for my pop. Beautiful design.

[@Chuck59ish]

I remember building a Tamyia 1:12 model of the 49B and was amazed at how simple it was compared to the Lotus 72 or a Ferrari 312B of the time.

[@davapikyan403]

Says front suspension shows the rear

[@dalevancleefsr]

And vice versa

[@samsupra]

true

[@la6335]

Nah fam, it’s a front wheel drive. They gotta have front wheel drive so dat v-tec can kick in

[@matr1xsystems]

editor is not a car person...

[@dbaider9467]

What a beautiful dissection. Too short though.

[@chicobicalho5621]

Here is what I would love to see. The current batch of F1 drivers in identical, "modernized" Lotus 49s, with carbon fiber chassis, and all the safety devices, maybe even more powerful engines and better breaks, but the rest of the car as it was, without downforce at all, narrower tyres, a basic suspension, and most of all, a clutch pedal and a nonsequential 5 speed gearbox.This way, we could really have a "world drivers championship" to see who are the fastest drivers in the world..

[@mirrorblue100]

Amen

[@steveness7909]

Craig, wasn't that a Hewland gear box?

[@haywoodf]

You might want to edit and get your front and rear suspension comments in sequence

[@tlreclipse1126]

More videos like this.

[@mirrorblue100]

The 49 was the culmination of a series of cars going back to the 24. I think a better argument can be made for the Lotus 72 or 78 as the "most important car design in F1 history."

[@Ryan-9000]

Bloody death trap :O

[@Genapex]

well I learned something new today

[@MrowkaJoe]

If it wasn't the first one with this set up, than it definitelly wasn't the most important for motorsports.

[@GTChucker86]

But it was the first to be used with a bigger engine. People mainly used the setup for F3 as they were based from lower powered family cars like the vw beetle. If you wanted more speed you would need a a bigger engine and those are usually mounted in front. Lotus pioneered the design of using a bigger engine and putting it in the back for balance and it was dramatic since this car won races against cars with bigger engines and power due to its handling ability. Chapman didnt invent the mid engine car, he just proved that the design is best for racing

[@kyongslist]

it doesnt matter if you are the first to apply a concept if the application itself isnt successful..... The 49 showed that its clearly the way to go by pioneering it successfully and illustrating the obvious benefits. dumbass

[@Kiluei]

Faster than the current Williams.

[@QurttoRco]

Although I agree on that Lotus 49 is the most important car design wise in F1 history, I disagree with the reason. It's most important because aero started on this car

[@trance9158]

That suspension looks so delicate and vulnerable.

[@brucemcgeehan8255]

Look at Lotus 25 ? You mixed up front and back suspension

[@felipejensen2727]

I think it is time for Autosport to learn the 10 min rules. Videos are too short.

[@joseph317]

You have to switch

[@laurencef8535]

Faster than a 2017 mclaren honda i bet

[@petertheduke1]

uhm faster then 2018 Mercedes engine in a straight line

[@bastianmann4936]

Even leisure go karts for rent beat the 2017 Mclaren Honda...

[@MetalMilitia072583]

ZF gear box * 😉

[@barryfowles-zl5ib]

@Ninja Tortoise. May I ask why you seem to doubt that the transmission was a ZF, are you mistakenly thinking the 49 had a Hewland trans?

[@funkiwikid6106]

Front and rear suspension ??? which way does this thing go ? Good video but ya got ya F's and R's mixed up.

[@bradleypease2492]

What are you talking about

[@funkiwikid6106]

@@bradleypease2492 From 25 to 33 secs he describes front suspension while showing the rear. Then from 35 to 38 secs he describes rear suspension while showing the front !

[@Andrew-vx2ls]

Sorry to disagree...the Lotus 25 did 99% of what is described above.

[@TheyCallTheSandman]

Breaks down after finish line. Budget cap? #Q

[@CattoRayTube]

Fabian Blondel Probably not. If there were they'd be built to last multiple races.

[@jsquared1013]

Fabian Blondel weight savings to the extreme. Make the parts any stronger to last longer and they'd be heavier.