1982 Lotus 91 - Elio de Angelis 1/20th Scale Model Kit

For the 1982 season, Team Lotus readied the Type 91. Like it's predecessor, the car was developed by Peter Wright and Martin Ogilvie and once again boasted beautiful body lines. As in the Type 88 and 87, the moncoque was a carbon composite structure made of nomex honeycomb sandwiched between kevlar-reinforced carbon fibre once again entirely developed and built by Team Lotus. When rivals were adopting powerful turbocharged engines, Team Lotus had to rely on naturally aspirated Ford Cosworth DFV engines. In this respect, the moncoque's superior strength and lightness came in handy.

To match the increase in cornering performance, suspension arms, uprights and even the gearbox casing that served as the mounting points for the suspension were all reinforced and upgraded. Like in the Type 77, the wheelbase and front track were adjustable to suit each race course's characteristics. Although a new pull rod type suspension was introduced at the British Grand Prix, it was not used in the race.

The Type 91 was first raced at the second race of the 1982 season at the Brazilian Grand Prix in the hands of Elio de Angelis and Nigel Mansell. On it's maiden race, Mansell drove the car to third position at the finish, followed by a fourth place in Monaco. Elio de Angelis drove the car in 14 races, finishing six times in the points. This includes a win at the Austrian Grand Prx after taking the lead towards the end of the race and fending off a late charge by the Williams of Keke Rosberg to finish ahead by a margin of .05 seconds.

This victory was the first for de Angelis and the first since the 1978 Netherlands Grand Prix for Team Lotus. For team founder Colin Chapman this would also be the last time he would be able to welcome a victory with his then by legendary throw of the cap as the car crossed the finishing line. This was also the 150^th victory for the Ford Cosworth DFV engine and the last on board a Lotus car, concluding a long and illustrious career, dating back to the Type 21.

On the same year, post season testing at Donnington Park saw Satoru Nakajima drive a Formula 1 car for the very first time at the wheel of the Type 91. Right after attending this test, Colin Chapman succumbed to a sudden heart attack, passing away on December 16, 1982.

As the last car of the Colin Chapman led Team Lotus era, and because of the dramatic race win it recorded, the Type 91 remains to this day in the memories and hearts of many race fans.

Driver figure not included. 

***THIS IS A MODEL KIT THAT REQUIRES ASSEMBLY*** Paint and glue not included