Mercedes-Benz W196.... Unbeatable both as GP car (W196R) and even more as Sports Car (W196S = 300 SLR). And for me the Straight-Eight with the desmodromic valves is the best sounding engine ever...
The FW14 was the beta version in 1991 - it was the FW14B that powered Mansell to 9 wins and the title in 1992. My nominations for greatest F1 cars thread, for technical innovation (not dead ends ) and for technical excellence that resulted in titles: Lotus 25 (first monocoque) Lotus 72, radical rethink of F1 layouts (side mounted radiators, etc) had a 5 year life all on it's own Lotus 79 (first fully realized ground effects car) McLaren MP/4-4 Ferrari 312T - the 1973 car set the groundworks for 5 seasons of Ferrari at the top in the 70s. Brawn BGP001, innovative aerodynamics that were a step ahead of everyone else. Even on a shoestring budget with no upgrades, the car was so far ahead it still dominated the season. Red Bull RB-6, the 2010 contender which set the stage for Newey's brilliant dominance for 5 years. Ferrari F2002
It ultimately only appeared in one race weekend, but this will always be the ultimate "F.U, rules!" car. Honorable mention to the Lotus 88. Otherwise, put me down for the F2002. I still have a 1:12 scale model of it on my desk 13 years later. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Abritrarily? I think so. Could start another poll in "other racing" on the subject of sports cars, but let's please stick to F1 here though. FWIW, I too adore the 917; Just about the perfect looking car to me, particularly in Gulf colors. But not for here....... Cheers, Ian
The first one has already been suggested; The Lotus 25. Another very fine looking little critter as Is would say! Feel I've also got to give a nod to the Vanwall; Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Usuals Chronological order W196 Lotus 25 Lotus 72 MP4/4 F2002 RB9 unfortunately W05/6 as much as I hate it and how boring it is the last 2 years.
That's a pretty decent list we've got coming along here. Watching the NFL right now, so you've got until end of Sunday football to make any more nominations - How's that for arbitrary! Cheers, Ian
Fair enough. Almost all existing choices, which is good I guess. May have to have a pre-poll-poll!.... We've now got the RB6, 7, 8 & 9 *all* nominated! They may be fine cars, but all *four* of them!? Maybe I'll just lump 'em all together! Cheers, Ian
It may be blasphemy not to be in JPS colors, but the 79 always looked best to me in the green/Martini colors. Just a great looking car IMO. Also looked good in the Essex "chrome" livery, but I can't find that right now. Cheers, Ian Image Unavailable, Please Login
Good plan - they were all based on the same Newey design principles evolving use of the blown diffuser. Call them collectively RB6-RB9!
You're probably right. It wasn't till the 80 (or 81?) came along that Essex appeared (?) Note the lack of a front wing and the size of the rears!...... The 81; Image Unavailable, Please Login
Oooooh! There's some fine choices right there. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Since it has been nominated, we need a Mercedes Benz W196 image here . .. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Auto Union... something - mid engine, and a supercharged V16 monster Cooper... something ?51 - modern mid engine design Lotus 25 - monocoque Lotus 49 - engine as a stressed member Lotus T88 - a sensational interpretation of the rules (which Ferrari had banned) Tyrrell 6 wheeler thing - I know it's been mentioned, AND it didn't work, but I love something radical being given a go
Hmm, disagree with the ''shoestring budget'' idea. It was almost 2 years in development and had half a billion in it. It was run on a budget through the year but initial budget definitely not!
Lauda in the B3 does it for me. Brought Ferrari back to the front of the pack and set the scene for the success of the T. Had an enormous poster of this on my wall as a kid. John Image Unavailable, Please Login
In the history of Grand Prix Racing, the most successful car ever, was the Alfa Romeo Tipo 158 /159 "Alfetta".
