Lotus 63
| Category | Formula One | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Team Lotus | ||||||||||
| Designer(s) | Colin Chapman (Technical Director) Maurice Philippe (Chief Designer) | ||||||||||
| Predecessor | 49 | ||||||||||
| Successor | 72 | ||||||||||
| Technical specifications | |||||||||||
| Chassis | Aluminium monocoque. | ||||||||||
| Axle track | 59 in (1,499 mm) | ||||||||||
| Wheelbase | 98 in (2,489 mm) | ||||||||||
| Engine | Ford Cosworth DFV 2,995 cc (183 cu in) V8, naturally aspirated, mid-mounted. | ||||||||||
| Transmission | Hewland-Lotus 5-speed manual gearbox. Four-wheel drive. | ||||||||||
| Weight | 600 kg (1,323 lb) | ||||||||||
| Fuel | Shell | ||||||||||
| Tyres | Firestone | ||||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||||
| Notable entrants | Gold Leaf Team Lotus Ecurie Bonnier | ||||||||||
| Notable drivers | John Miles Mario Andretti Jo Bonnier | ||||||||||
| Debut | 1969 French Grand Prix | ||||||||||
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| n.b. Unless otherwise stated, all data refer to Formula One World Championship Grands Prix only. | |||||||||||
The Lotus 63 was an experimental Formula One car using four-wheel drive, designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe for the 1969 season. Chapman's reasoning behind the car was that the 3 litre engines introduced in 1966 would be better served by building a car that could take full advantage of its power while retaining the Lotus 49's simplicity.