Grand Prix design

Last month the various methods of controlling rear wheel movement on Grand Prix cars were discussed and illustrated, and on this page are shown the front suspension systems on the same six cars. All use a system of full independence, but methods of withstanding brake torque reaction vary, as do spring mountings and the compression of the springs.

The use of coil-springs surrounding telescopic shock-absorbers is universal, though the mounting of them inboard to reduce frontal area is gaining popularity. This idea was started by Maserati in 1948 and continued on various Formula Three cars, to be revived by Colin Chapman on the Lotus 25.