LOTUS TYPE 88B Fulldetail Kit 1/12 - Model Factory Hiro
About the LOTUS TYPE 88B:
LOTUS founder and principal design engineer Colin Chapman is well
known for bringing ground effect design to F1 – with the team's first two
ground effect cars, Lotus 78 and Lotus 79, bringing great success to the team.
However due to increasing accidents caused by such cars regulation changes were
made to the 1981 season to curb designs that generate such ground effects.
Always the innovator, Chapman designed the “LOTUS TYPE 88” for the
1981 season, hoping to retain strong ground effect while adhering to the new
regulations.
The LOTUS 88 featured a twin chassis: a concept that came to be through the
combined efforts of Chapman, chief designer M. Ogilvie and aerodynamics
specialist P. Wright. The body, side and wings acted as one chassis (outer) and
the monocoque would perform as the second chassis (inner), and both were linked
by a series of suspensions. The design allowed the outer chassis to “sink”
as the car accelerated, effectively creating ground effect through immense
amounts of downforce. The monocoque was also made from carbon fibre as opposed
to the aluminum alloy mainly used up to that point, making it one of the
earliest F1 machines to feature a carbon based monocoque.
The LOTUS 88 was first brought to light at the first race of the 1981 season,
and while it passed inspections at first the decision was later overturned by
FISA (currently known as the FIA) for overstepping regulation rules and the car
was banned from racing. After a second failed attempt at the following race it
was later upgraded to „TYPE 88B“ for the British GP, but was again banned
from racing. This marked the last attempt that Chapman tried to enter the LOTUS
88 into races.
As a designer always looking for new and innovative ways to bring his ideas to
life, Chapman lost interest in F1 after seeing his own ideas banned from the
racetrack and turned his attention to light aircraft design. In December of the
following year of 1982, Chapman passed away at the young ages of 54. On the day
of his passing, the Lotus team would be testing another one of his innovative
ideas on the LOTUS TYPE 92 – the active suspension system which would become
the next design marvel in F1 for creating downforce.
Kit Details:
- based on the 88B that was bought to the British GP in 1981. The
version put on display at the event at Norwich Airport in August 1981 post the
British GP is also constructable.
- a full detailed, multi-material kit featuring white metal, resin, etching,
turned parts, rubber tires, silk screen decals and various cords allowing for
maximum representation of the original vehicle.
- the famous “twin chassis” has been faithfully replicated, with the outer
chassis able to move on springs as per the original design of the Lotus 88.
- aluminum turned parts used for wheel rim and engine funnels.
- cowl can be removed, allowing full view of the detailed interior after
completion.
●K822 – 1/12scale Fulldetail Kit : 1/12scale Fulldetail Kit :
LOTUS TYPE 88B
1981 Rd.9 British GP #11 Elio de Angelis / #12 Nigel Mansell
Delivery is about 30 to 60 days