Lotus 38

Lotus 38
1965 Lotus 38 at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed
CategoryUSAC IndyCar
ConstructorTeam Lotus
Designer(s)Colin Chapman
Len Terry
PredecessorLotus 34
SuccessorLotus 42
Technical specifications[1]
ChassisAluminium monocoque.
Suspension (front)Double wishbones, inboard coil springs over dampers.
Suspension (rear)Reverse lower wishbones, top link, twin radius rods, coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar
Length155.9 in (396 cm)
Width73 in (185 cm)
Height31 in (79 cm)
Axle trackFront: 60 in (152 cm)
Rear: 60 in (152 cm)
Wheelbase95.9 in (244 cm)
EngineFord 4,195 cc (256.0 cu in) DOHC 90° V8, naturally aspirated, mid-mounted.
TransmissionZF 2DS-20 2-speed manual gearbox.
Power500 hp (370 kW)
Weight612 kg (1,349 lb)
Competition history
Notable entrantsTeam Lotus
Notable driversUnited Kingdom Jim Clark
United States Bobby Johns
United States Dan Gurney
United States A. J. Foyt
United States Mario Andretti
Debut1965 Indianapolis 500
Wins
1 (1965 Indianapolis 500)

The Lotus 38 was the first rear-engined car to win the Indianapolis 500, in 1965, driven by Jim Clark. It was run by Lotus at Indianapolis from 1965 to 1967; a total of 8 were built, most for use by Lotus, but several were sold for use by other drivers, including A. J. Foyt and Mario Andretti.[2][3]

  1. ^ "1965 Lotus 38 Ford Specifications". Ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Lotus 38 - 1965 Indianapolis 500 Winner". amalgamcollection.com. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  3. ^ "Great racing cars: 1965-67 Lotus 38". Motor Sport Magazine. 7 December 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2022.