The Lotus 17 was a sports car racing model built by Lotus Cars in 1959. Designed by Len Terry, [1] it was built in response to the Lola Mk1 which was dominant against the previous Lotus model, the Eleven. It was replaced in 1960 by the Lotus 19.

The Lotus 17 was the successor to the 11 and incorporated many of the features that made the 11 so successful. Chapman sketched out the idea for the 17 and Len Terry designed it. The chassis was a complex space frame construction with strut type suspension both front and rear.

Lotus replaced the all-conquering Eleven ahead of the 1959 season with the new Type 17. In almost every respect it was a further refinement of Lotus' small displacement sports car design. Compared to its predecessor, the Type 17 was considerably smaller, narrower, lighter and featured a smaller frontal area.

Jun 1, 2008 · The Lazenby Lotus 17 Special was built as a street toy but quickly morphed into a racer. I can understand this. I’ve driven Lotus 17s and they’re fun, but the fit and comfort level aren’t something I could survive long without racing adrenaline to mask the pain.

May 12, 2014 · Learn how it works. This 1959 Lotus 17 (chassis 662) is said to be well known in the vintage racing community and has competed at The Montery Historics.

The Lotus Seventeen made its debut in 1959, with a splash of publicity and advance orders. Its’ design had been drawn by Len Terry, along parameters laid out by Colin Chapman. The specifications were promising: lower and lighter than either the Eleven or the Lola, with independent strut-type suspension at each wheel.

The Lotus 17 was designed and built in 1959 to compete with the Lola Mk. I, which had been beating the, then-current, Lotus 11. It emerged as a very successful Sports-racer after a re-design of the suspension produced the Mk. 11.

Jul 29, 2022 · A 17 is quite rare, front engine rear drive sportsracer. It was built to replace the Lotus 11. They used 750cc and 1100cc engines during the 1959 season. They were designed by Len Terry. 23 were built. It was a transitional car, with the Lotus 18 FJr and the Lotus 19 mid engined cars the following year.

1959 Lotus 17 Built as a response to the Lola MkI, this Lotus 17 was a revised Lotus with even lighter construction. Various engines were fitted including the 742cc FWMA, 1098cc FWA and 1216cc FWE.

Specifications. 21 units built Click here and here. Coventry Climax FWA "85", straight 4 cyl, 4 stroke, petrol engine 1098cc, 72.4 x 66.68 mm 9.8 : 1 63.5 kW / 85 hp @ 6250 rpm 100 Nm / 74 ft-lb @ 4400 rpm drop forged steel crankshaft with 3 main bearings