Why unloved Lotus 76 may be Colin Chapman's most significant car
A wide variety of Lotus cars are often proffered as the ultimate F1 game-changer – but was the Lotus 76 an unusual candidate which trumps them all?
Regular readers of the magazine will recognise Finish Line, where drivers offer a snapshot into their lives. If you haven’t seen them, we’re reproducing the series, starting with two new ones.
After Andrea de Adamich last week, this time Charlie Whiting answers Rob Widdows’ quickfire questions.
When did you first read Motor Sport?
About 1966, I would say
Your day-to-day drive?
E63 Mercedes
The best car you’ve owned?
E63 Mercedes
One racing car, one circuit…
Chaparral 2F, Road America
Who you most admire?
My wife, for putting up with my obsession with my job
Your best friend?
My wife
Your best character trait?
Patience
Most prized possession?
I’ve never been much of a collector – I wish I had been – so I don’t have much memorabilia, but I do have a very nice watch which I’m very fond of.
Your greatest extravagance?
My car
Favourite place in the world?
Singapore
Your restaurant recommendation?
Steirerschlossel Hotel in Zeltweg
The music you’re listening to?
Adele
The movie you love?
The Usual Suspects
The last thing you read?
QF32
The best advice you’ve been given?
This wasn’t given to me but it seems very profound: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
A wide variety of Lotus cars are often proffered as the ultimate F1 game-changer – but was the Lotus 76 an unusual candidate which trumps them all?
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