Lotus STP Turbine Indy Car

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Lotus STP Turbine Indy Car (1/25) (fs)

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Our Price: $59.90

Availability: Usually Ships in 1 to 2 Business Days
Product Code: MPC-6025

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Description

The Lotus 56 was designed by Maurice Philippe as Lotus 1968 entry in the Indianapolis 500, replacing the successful Lotus 38. Based on Parnelli Jones' STP Granatelli turbine car that almost won in 1967, Colin Chapman's team again produced an even more innovative design. The 56 was shaped like a wedge on wheels, in the same vein as the later Lotus 72, which was also designed by Philippe and Chapman. The engine of the 56 was also noteworthy, as it was a Pratt & Whitney gas turbine engine of over 500 bhp. To get the best out of the power produced, the 56 was fitted with four wheel drive, something also used on the Lotus 63 without success. In the race Joe Leonard was leading with ease with just a handful of laps to go when the engine failed. Lotus' innovation incurred the wrath of the governing body of American Motorsports, and USAC deemed turbine cars and four wheel drive illegal shortly after, much to Chapman's frustration. This kit is a faithful rendition of one of those Indianapolis cars.