Lotus 19

Infobox Automobile
name = Lotus 19
manufacturer = Lotus Cars
production = 1960-1962
predecessor = Lotus 18
successor =
class = Sports Racer
body_style = Fiberglass Space frame
engine = 2496 cc Coventry Climax
289 ci Ford
wheelbase = Auto in|95|0
length = Auto in|141|0
width = Auto in|60.5|0
height = Auto in|31|0
weight = Auto lb|1000|0-Auto lb|1240|0 (kerb)The Lotus 19 or Monte Carlo was a mid-engine sports-racing car designed by Colin Chapman of Lotus and built from 1960 until 1963. The 19 was a widened (nominally two-place) version of the successful Formula 1 18.

The Lotus 19

The 19 was a mid-engine, rear wheel drive sports racer with a fiberglass body over a tube frame based on the 18, and was originally fitted with a 2496 cc Coventry Climax engine. The cars body was similar in appearance to both the 11 and the 23 while having the engine behind the driver.

Chapman named the car Monte Carlo to honor Stirling Moss for his win at the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix, Lotus' first in F1. This is said to mimic Cooper's naming the Cooper Monaco after a win with their Formula 1 car at Monaco in 1958.

The 19B

Towards the end of 1963, Dan Gurney, who had enjoyed considerable success at the wheel of the Arciero Brothers Lotus 19-Climax, had another Lotus 19 built with a King Cobra Ford 289 engine.

This was specially adapted by the Lotus factory for Gurney, reportedly with larger diameter frame tubes and different engine mounts. Because of its unique specification, it was known as the Mk19B, the only 19 with this designation. Originally delivered in red livery, the car first appeared at Nassau in December 1963. Later, in 1964, Gurney secured sponsorship from Pacesetter Homes and the car was re-liveried in white and blue.

The car's weak spot was its Colotti transmission, the failure of which led to a number of retirements; eventually, in 1965, Gurney sold the car. It went through several owners before being acquired by Gordon and Nancy Gimbel. Today the car regularly appears at historic events in the US.

Although the 19B was the first 'factory-approved' effort using an American V8 engine, several other owners experimented with conversions. Bob Colombosian, and Rod Carveth all powered their 19s with aluminium 215ci (3.5 liter) Buick V8s as early as 1962. Canadian Norm Namerow was the first to actually compete in a 289-powered 19, in October 1963, although Lloyd Ruby raced the "Harrison Special" (a converted 19) with a 289 one week earlier.

Alan Green Chevrolet of Seattle fielded a Lotus 19 using a 377ci Traco-modified Chevrolet and McKee transaxle in 1964. It was driven by Jerry Grant. While fast in the extreme, the car broke frequently. It was said to produce just over 500 horsepower and tested at Westwood Raceway in early 1965 at an unofficial 224 mph with the aid of some makeshift spoilers.

Chassis Numbers

There were 17 original Lotus 19 cars built however many were wrecked and some were completely rebuilt. More cars are reported today than were built.

External links

* [http://www.tamsoldracecarsite.net/DanGurneysLotus19.html Tam's Old Race Car Site: Dan Gurney's Lotus 19]