The Formula 1 Exhibition has announced F1’s most successful car, the legendary Lotus Type 72, will be on display at the new London show opening later this summer on 23rd August at ExCeL London. Tickets are now available on general sale here.
The first car to be announced at the new venue, the Lotus Type 72 is widely regarded as the most successful race car design in history and one of the greatest F1® cars of all time, with its slick aerodynamic profile and distinctive front-end. Conceived by Lotus founder Colin Chapman and designer Maurice Philippe, the Lotus Type 72 marked a new era of motor racing and won two Driver’s World Championships, three Constructor’s World Championships and secured 39 podium finishes, with 20 wins, a feat never matched by one car type in the history of F1. Amazingly, the car made its debut in the 1970 season, and remained competitive until 1975, during which time its racing liveries became legendary, including perhaps the most iconic racing colour scheme ever – the black and gold of John Player Special.
Voted the ‘greatest Grand Prix car of all time’ by Autosport in 2023, the Lotus Type 72 was raced to win World Driver’s Championships by both Jochen Rindt (posthumously) and Brazil’s Emerson Fittipaldi. At the time, in 1972, Fittipaldi was the sport’s youngest ever world champion at the age of 25 – a record he held for more than 30 years until he was eventually beaten by Fernando Alonso in 2005.
Clive Chapman, owner of Classic Team Lotus and son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, said: “I’m thrilled that the Lotus Type 72 will be making an appearance at the exhibition for fans to reminisce on its legacy as one of the greatest racing cars in Formula 1 history. It symbolises what was then a new era of great British racing and we can’t wait to see it on show later this summer.”
Opening on August 23rd 2024 at one of London’s most popular exhibition destinations, ExCeL London, The Formula 1 Exhibition will give visitors the chance to get up close and personal with pieces of motorsport history and delve deeper into the fascinating world of Formula 1. Having launched to widespread critical acclaim in Madrid, the London show is set to be the biggest F1 Exhibition show to date, with a number of new additions.
A new partnership with Silverstone Museum will also pay homage to the British Grand Prix and its contribution to motorsport. Whilst state-of-the art racing simulators using official F1 gaming equipment will also feature, giving visitors the chance to experience what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of an F1® car as they race around the iconic Silverstone track. All racers will be entered into a monthly prize draw to win tickets for the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Ticket prices start from £14 for children (ages 5-16) and £25 for adults (17+). Group bookings and special VIP Podium tickets are also available, as well as opportunities for exclusive corporate events. Booking fees apply. For more information visit: www.f1exhibition.com/london
Photo credit: Grand Prix Photo
