The result of Lotus’ Exclusive Programme, the two newest models pays homage to the 49 and 79 Formula 1 racers, with each featuring a series of bespoke touches and tribute livery, while retaining the Toyota derived 3.5-litre supercharged V6 that produces 321kW/440Nm and 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.2 seconds.
Like the equally limited run Type 25 unveiled back in April, both the Type 49 and Type 79 are equipped with a specific body kit claimed to generate 220kg of downforce at their respective top speeds of 290km/h, three-way Nitron adjustable dampers, Eibach adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, red four-piston AP Racing brake calipers, two-piece J-hook brake disc and special lightweight forged alloy wheels measuring 17-inches at the front and 18-inches at the rear wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber and painted gold.
Tipping the scales at 1 056kg, the main differences are of course the exterior paint finishes, where the Type 49 comes resplendent in the gold and red colours of the major F1 sponsor Gold Leaf, while the Type 79 features the iconic black and gold John Player Special livery that became synonymous with the brand from the mid-70s to the early 1980s.
With the Type 49 also commemorating the 50th anniversary of Graham Hill taking both the F1 drivers and constructors title for Lotus and the Type 79 celebrating Mario Andretti’s success 40 years ago, each model’s unique interior fittings consists of in-house made race seats finished in black Alcantara, anodised aluminium and carbon fibre inserts, an open-gate six-manual gearbox topped by a wooden gear knob and, depending on the model, red-and-gold or black-and-gold contrasting stitching.
Unlike the Type 25 though, both the Type 49 and Type 79 are not earmarked for a limited production run.
