1/12 Lotus Type 78 (w/Photo-Etched Parts)
Tamiya welcomes back Item 12037 (originally released in 2008) with updated decals. The Lotus Type 78 was one of the first ground effect downforce cars in Formula One. This car took part in the first races in 1977, and the Lotus Type 79 – successor to Type 78 - achieved the title in 1978.
Item Contents / Information
• This is a 1/12 scale plastic assembly model. Length: 381mm, width: 171mm, height: 76mm.
• New decals are included to depict Goodyear logos at nose, and front /rear end plate sections.
• Coil spring suspension allows movement.
• Front tires move in unison when moving the steering wheel.
• Fuel pipe and the ignition cord components are connected to the DFV engine parts.
• Front cowl, cockpit cowl, radiator ducts, and induction box are removable.
• Photo-etched parts include brake discs radiator two types of front and rear wingtips and seat buckles to complete the set.
F1s First Winged Competitor
The Lotus Type 78 F1 racing car has gone into the history books as the first competition winged racing F1 car. It first appeared at the first race of the 1977 F1 season in Argentina with its wedge-shaped body and inverted aircraft-like wings achieving a greater down force effect that considerably improved handling and performance. Not only did this new design reduced air drag, it adopted the idea that it would raise tire gripping power therefore allowing for harder and faster cornering.
That year drivers Mario Andretti and Gunner Nilsson were at the helm of the new F1 Lotus racing car with Andretti winning the U.S. West, Spanish, French, and Italian GPs and Nilsson Gunner winning the Belgian GP. For the first half of the 1978 season, Lotus used their Type 78 which saw the revival of Team Lotus
About the Model
This is a 1/12 scale plastic assembly model. Length: 381mm, Width: 171mm, Height: 76mm.
Coil spring suspension allows movement.
Front tires move in unison when moving the steering wheel.
Fuel pipe and the ignition cord are connected to the DFV engine.
Front cowl, cockpit cowl, radiator ducts and induction box are removable. Even after completing the model you are able to view the vehicles inner parts.
Photo-etched parts include brake discs radiator 2 types of front and rear wingtips and seatbelts to complete the set
Front Nose
Photo-etched parts make up the nose tip oil cooler and mesh. There are also specifications for 1977 and 1978 wingtips
Rear Wing
Photo-etched wingtip boards provide a sharp finish. Same for the front, there are 2 different types.
Cockpit
Cloth seatbelts and photo-etched seat buckles provide the cockpit with a realistic finish.
Engine
The Ford DFV engine comes with an ignition cord, fuel pipe, and wiring. Rear air intakes for brake cooling are accurately reproduced.
Photo Etched Parts
In addition to the brake discs, radiator, and front and rear wing tips quick fasteners are prepared for fastening to the cowlings.
Slide Markings A
Impressive detailed stripes and markings are reproduced in the same original beige color.
Slide Markings B
1977 markings for No.5 Mario Andretti and No.6 Gunnar Nilsson as well as the No.6 1978 markings for Ronnie Peterson.
