Lotus 21

Infobox Automobile


name = Lotus 21
manufacturer = Team Lotus
production = 1961
predecessor = Lotus 18
successor = Lotus 24
class = Formula One
body_style = Open wheel
engine = Coventry Climax FPFThe Lotus 21 was a Formula One racing car designed by Colin Chapman. It was a mid-engined design using a tubular spaceframe structure skinned with fibreglass panels, of a more advanced build than seen in the Lotus 18. Powered by the Coventry Climax FPF 4 cylinder engine it used disc brakes all round.

Used by the works Lotus team and the privateer Rob Walker Racing Team in 1961, the 21 was the first works Lotus to win a Formula One Grand Prix, in the hands of Innes Ireland at the 1961 United States Grand Prix. (Previous victories were taken by Rob Walker's team). Customer teams continued to use it up to 1965. It was soon rendered obsolete by the monocoque Lotus 25 introduced for the 1962 Formula One season.