The Lotus 49 was innovative for several reasons. Colin Chapman’s design was the first in Formula 1 to use the engine as a fully stressed member, making it significantly stronger and lighter than traditional designs. The benefits were immediately apparent: Clark won four Formula 1 races, and the Lotus 49 took pole position in every race it entered in 1967.

Jim Clark won the Indianapolis 500 in 1965 and earned World Championships in 1963 and 1965. This was his last race before he was killed at age 32 in a Formula 2 racing accident at Hockenheim, Germany, in 1968. At the time of his death, he had won 25 Grand Prix races and achieved more Grand Prix pole positions than any other driver.