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Lotus 27: The 1963 Formula Junior car with a monocoque
The Lotus 27 is the 1963 Formula Junior car, based on the Lotus 25 Formula 1 model. In this article, we review its construction, issues, and significance.
The Lotus 27 in brief
The Lotus 27 was the Formula Junior version based on the Lotus 25 Formula 1 car, designed for the 1963 Formula Junior season. It's a single-seater race car, not a road car.
In this article, we review its construction and place in Lotus history.
Construction
The body was an aluminium monocoque with steel bulkheads—a principle taken from the Lotus 25, which can be considered the first monocoque F1 car.
Initially, the car was designed with fibreglass sides, but these caused stiffness issues, so they were replaced with aluminium ones.
On the track
The Team Lotus cars were serviced by the Ron Harris team. Peter Arundell won the 1963 British Formula Junior Championship with the Lotus 27 once initial stiffness issues were resolved.
Initially, the 27 had to compete with the Lotus 22, which won several early 1963 races.
Legacy and where to see one
The Lotus 27 was later developed into the Formula 2 car, the Lotus 32. Surviving examples can be seen at historic racing events and in collections.
Buying an original Lotus 27 is a collector's item; provenance and documentation must be verified.
Versions
This is a racing car, so there are no trims; we list the main variants.
Lotus 27
1963A Formula Junior car with a monocoque body.
- Aluminium monocoque with steel bulkheads
- Initially, the fibreglass sides were replaced with aluminium
- Based on the Lotus 25
Lotus 27 and similar models
| Lotus 22 | Lotus 27 | Lotus 32 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Formula Junior | Formula Junior | Formula 2 |
| Construction | Spaceframe chassis | Monocoque | Monocoque |
| Year | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 |
| Price on the market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
The Lotus 27 showed how a monocoque design could be adapted for junior formulae — and became a stepping stone to the Lotus 32.
Pros
- Monocoque body
- Based on the Lotus 25
- Peter Arundell's British Championship victory
- The basis for the Lotus 32
Cons
- Initial flex issues
- Can't be driven on public roads
- Limited availability
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Lotus 27 important?
It's a monocoque Formula Junior car, based on the principles of the Lotus 25.
Who won with the Lotus 27?
Peter Arundell won the 1963 British Formula Junior Championship.
Why were the sides changed to aluminium?
The fibreglass sides flexed, so they were replaced with aluminium.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
