Lotus' Inaugural F1 Car Poised for a Stellar Auction in Monaco

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In a remarkable blend of history and motorsport legacy, the first-ever Lotus Formula 1 car, the Lotus-Climax Type 12, is gearing up for a monumental return to Monaco. However, this return, 66 years after its debut, isn't for a race but for a prestigious auction where it's expected to command between €290,000 and €390,000 ($313,500-$421,600). This vehicle not only marks Lotus' foray into Formula 1 racing but also represents a pivotal moment in the sport's history.

Driven by the legendary Graham Hill, chassis number 353 made a promising start at the Monaco Grand Prix, leading the race momentarily before a technical failure forced a retirement. Initially competing in Formula 2, the Type 12 was upgraded by Coventry Climax from a 1500 cc to a 1960 cc engine to qualify for Formula 1, despite being underpowered compared to its 2.5-liter competitors. The car demonstrated potential, particularly on circuits that favored agility over raw power, though reliability issues plagued its performance.