WSC60 Lotus 47 GT

3d Model design by: Yamabushi
Cam & Pawl Diff

Introduced late in 1966, the Lotus Europa was one of the first mid-engined production road cars. Although officially intended for use on the street, the Europa's competition roots were hard to miss. Accordingly, it was hardly surprising that a competition car quickly followed. Built for the production-based Group 4 class, it was dubbed the 47 GT (the Europa's internal name was the Type 46).

As on the Europa and also the Elan for that matter, the 47 GT featured a sheet-steel central backbone chassis. Suspension was by double wishbones at the front, while the rear featured a multi-link setup consisting of reversed lower wishbones, top links and twin trailing arms. Disc brakes on all four corners provided the stopping power. The lightweight fibreglass was also directly derived from the Europa but obviously lacked unnecessary trim like bumpers.

What really set the 47 GT apart from the Type 46 Europa was the drivetrain. Although both mounted amidships, the Europa featured a relatively docile Renault engine and gearbox, whereas the competition car boasted the latest version of the Ford Cosworth based twin-cam engine, mated to a Hewland FT 200 gearbox. Initially equipped with Weber carburettors but later also sporting a fuel injection system, the 1.6 litre 'four' was good for around 165 bhp.

Entered by the works Lotus Components team, the Lotus 47 GT debuted on Boxing day 1966 at Brands Hatch, where John Miles drove it to outright victory. It was the start of a remarkably successful career for the diminutive Lotus, particularly on the British isles. In addition to many national events, Miles together with Jackie Oliver also won their class at the Brands Hatch 500 World Championship round ahead of a fleet of Porsches in 1967 and 1968.

Deliveries of the customer cars started early in 1967 and these cars were also raced with great success on all corners of the world. To keep the 47 GT competitive, development work also continued, resulting in the 47A GT announced in 1968. Sharing some components with the Series 2 Europa, like the detachable body, it also featured a stronger chassis. The most extreme evolution was the unique 47D built for GKN and powered by an Oldsmobile V8.

Production of the 47 GT lasted until the end of 1968, even though the Europa would continue to be offered well into the 1970s. Although exact figures are not known, it is believed that around 55 examples were built, including a handful of the 47A evolution. The featherweight Type 47 remains as the last truly successful Lotus sports car.