Author Beckett sampled the Classic Team Lotus 79 under the most daunting of circumstances, caressing the slick-tired car around the soaking wet circuit at Hethel. Photo: Pete Austin
During the 1978 season, Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson dominated the FIA’s Formula One World Championship. From its introduction at the Belgian Grand Prix that year, the Lotus 79 became the car to beat. Between them, Andretti and Peterson would notch an impressive six wins with their Lotus 79s—with our test car, Lotus 79-3 passing the checkered flag first three times in Andretti’s hands.
With the Lotus 79, Colin Chapman’s Team Lotus found themselves on the crest of a wave, and “Black Beauty” enabled Andretti to sweep his way majestically to the world title. Utilizing the latest “ground-effect” technology, the Lotus 79 defined the era. Born out of the Lotus 78 that was used during the 1977 season, the Lotus 79 was the sport’s first ground-effects winner, and with Chapman’s drive and determination to succeed, it set the standard for others to emulate in the years to follow.
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