Lotus 42

The Lotus 42 is an open-wheel race car built by Team Lotus for the 1967 Indianapolis 500. The car was unsuccessful that year, with Graham Hill retiring on lap 23 of the race.

Development history

The Lotus 42 was designed to use the 4.2 litre version of the BRM P75 H16 engine. Unfortunately, this was even more unreliable than the 3 litre F1 variant, and was swiftly abandoned. The car was then fitted with a Ford Indy V8 engine.

Race history

For the 1967 Indianapolis 500, 1966 winner Graham Hill was recruited to drive the 42. Starting from 31st place on the grid, he lasted 23 laps before piston failure ended his race. Thereafter the car was put up for sale but never raced again. A second chassis was eventually fitted with a 5 litre Chevrolet V8 engine and took part in the 1969 Canadian Formula A series, where it helped Bill Brack to third place overall.