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Lotus 59: 1969–1970 racing car for Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula Ford classes
The Lotus 59 is a race car built by Lotus Components for the 1969–1970 Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula Ford, and Formula B seasons. This article reviews its design, versions, and significance.
The Lotus 59 in brief
The Lotus 59 was produced by Lotus Components in 1969 and 1970 for the Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula Ford, and Formula B seasons. It was a race car, not a road-going model.
The car first appeared on December 27, 1968, at the Brands Hatch Boxing Day event, and after initial issues with springs and the oil system, it proved successful.
Construction
Following the commercial failure of the Lotus 41, the Lotus 59 was redesigned by Dave Baldwin using square-section steel tubes in a complex spaceframe construction. This was a response to customer complaints about the complex and expensive aluminium monocoque of the Lotus 35 and the welded steel tubes and sheet metal combination of the Lotus 41, which was difficult to repair.
In the Formula 3 and Formula Ford versions, the frame tubes were used as water channels for the radiator; in the Formula 2 and Formula B version, long external tubes were used. The suspension was very conventional — double wishbones at the front, and an upper link and a lower inverted wishbone at the rear.
Versions
Initially, there were two versions: the 59 for Formula 3 and Formula Ford, and the 59B for Formula 2 and Formula B. All had the same 92.5-inch wheelbase, 2.5 inches longer than the Lotus 41. In 1970, the 59B was replaced by the Lotus 69.
The 1970 59 remained almost unchanged, but mid-season it was fitted with the Lotus 69 wedge-shaped nose. This configuration is known as the 59A (F3) and 59FB (Formula Ford).
Produced and can be seen
The car's strong suit is its excellent grip, allowing the driver to transfer power more effectively when exiting corners on uneven surfaces. With Lotus Components closing in 1971, production records are incomplete, but it's estimated that around 46 units were made.
Among the Lotus 59 F3 drivers was Emerson Fittipaldi. Surviving cars compete in historic races and are collector's items.
Versions
This is a race car, so there are no trims; we list the main variants.
Lotus 59
1969Version for Formula 3 and Formula Ford.
- Robust unibody construction
- Waterways in the frame tubes
- Triumph Herald front suspension
Lotus 59B
1969Versions for Formula 2 and Formula B
- Same wheelbase
- External water pipes
- Replaced the Lotus 69 (1970)
Lotus 59A / 59FB
1970Updated version with Lotus 69 wheels.
- Slick-style tyres
- F3 (59A) and Formula Ford (59FB)
- Pretty much unchanged otherwise
Lotus 59 and related models
| Lotus 41 | Lotus 59 | Lotus 69 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | F3 and F2 | F3, F2, Formula Ford, Formula B | F3, F2 and other classes |
| Chassis | Steel spaceframe with steel panels | Square-tube spaceframe | Replaced the 59B |
| Market price (relatively) | €€ | €€ | €€ |
The Lotus 59 was a simpler and easier-to-maintain alternative to earlier Lotus Components models, making it a successful and popular choice.
Pros
- Excellent road-holding
- Simple and easy-to-maintain construction
- Versatility across several classes
- Popularity in historic racing
Cons
- Cannot be driven on public roads
- Incomplete production records make verifying provenance difficult
- Limited availability
Frequently asked questions
How many Lotus 59s were produced?
It is believed that around 46 cars were made, but records are incomplete.
What is the Lotus 59 for?
Formula 3, Formula Ford, Formula 2 and Formula B classes.
What replaced the Lotus 59?
In 1970, the 59B replaced the Lotus 69.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
