10.4 C
Manchester
Saturday, June 7, 2025
BlogHMG Advanced Colour Design provides winning formula

HMG Advanced Colour Design provides winning formula

HMG Paints have utilised their industry leading Advanced Colour Design Service to assist with the restoration of the iconic 1970 Team Lotus Chassis number 5, which was famously raced by Emerson Fittipaldi.

Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus: “Given my father’s constant focus on the future and the team’s perennial battle for more space, it is extraordinary that this car survived for so many years.  I think it is a mark of the sentimental attachment that my father, the driver and the team had for her.  I have really enjoyed the painstaking restoration to date and am keen to show-off the skill of all those involved.”

Every care has been taken to preserve the originality of what is such an important part of Team Lotus history.  In particular the majority of the monocoque is intact and is still in the original paint along with some of the original bodywork and the rear wing.
With reference to the original design drawings and with expertise from Team Lotus personnel of the period, the car has been rebuilt to exactly as raced to Grand Prix and World Championship glory.  The monocoque has been reunited with one of the period engines and the gearbox is also period.

By courtesy of HMG Paints’ expertise, this has extended to being able to paint the car in the famous black and gold livery with cellulose paint as originally used. Fittipaldi was reunited with his restored World Championship winning car at the prestigious Amelia Island Concourse in Florida, the restoration received a firm thumbs-up from Emerson.

Steve Kennedy, HMG Paints Advanced Colour Design Technician commented “It’s been an honour to assist Clive and Team Lotus on this project. The work the team have done in restoring the car is remarkable, and we’re proud that the team utilised our paints to recreate what is considered one of the most iconic liveries in racing history.”

Built around the fourth type 72 monocoque, the Lotus type 72 was constructed by Team Lotus in 1970 and identified as number 5.  She was raced in 20 Grand Prix by Emerson Fittipaldi, from 1970 to 1973.  Emerson raced her in Gold Leaf colours to win the 1970 USGP, thereby securing Jochen Rindt’s posthumous World Championship.  Famous victories with 72/5 in the 1972 Austrian and Italian Grands Prix made Emerson the youngest ever World Champion.

A dramatic win at the legendary Montjuic Park circuit was the perfect start to the 1973 ‘European’ season, but then it was the end of the road for 72/5 at Zandvoort, when Emerson crashed heavily in qualifying for the Dutch GP. The wreckage languished in the Team Lotus stores for 40 years, somehow surviving numerous clear-outs, until 2013 when the team decided to have a go at repairing the tub.  Miraculously the badly damaged left-hand side was recovered and the decision was taken to rebuild the car.

Latest

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

More News

How Manchester’s Tech Startups Are Powering Growth with Headless CMS Architecture

In no time at all, Manchester has emerged as one of the UK's leading technology hubs. The city is home to a vibrant startup...

St George’s Day parade returns to Manchester

The St George's Day Parade, a beloved fixture in Manchester's event calendar for nearly two decades, returns on April 27 with its vibrant celebration...

Manchester prepares to mark VE Day

Celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day are set to take place throughout Manchester. On May 8, 80 years will have passed since...