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1968 was a year for startling new technology at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and STPs Andy Granatelli commissioned Colin Chapman and Lotus to build new rear-engine turbine cars with four-wheel-drive and radical wedge shape bodies.
Three-time national motorcycle champion and 1967 Indy 3rd place finisher Joe Leonard put one of the Lotus turbines on the pole at 171.559mph. For the first 475 miles, Leonard and Bobby Unser dueled for the lead, but the turbine flamed out as green flag racing resumed for the final ten laps and Leonard was out of the race.
The turbine cars were driven at some of the other USAC races that year where the turbine engine was an advantage but by years end the turbine engine and four wheel drive were banned.
Carousel – 1 has done a fabulous job in brining the iconic and iconoclastic 1968 STP turbine car to life. At first look it appears to be a Pine Box Derby car rather than an Indy pole sitter but give it time, the design will grow on you.
The fit, finish and livery on the car are very well done although a few of the myriad of sponsor decals that Indy cars were famous for, seem a bit displaced. No matter, as it does not detract from the car in the slightest. The only real miss appears to be the front tires & wheels that are painted yellow and green (Lotus colors). Pictures of the car at the race seem to indicate that they were all yellow. They are otherwise accurate in detail and well formed.
The top of the body comes off (it is held in place by magnets – a very nice touch) to reveal a wealth of detail in the cockpit front and rear suspensions and especially the turbine engine. The fit and finish on all of these parts from the gauges on the dash to the suspension and plumbing bits is excellent. Carousel-1 has really mastered building open wheeled cars. Even the otherwise slab bottom of the car has the nicely detailed intake scoop.
The only downside for some might be that the front steering does not work. Carousel-1 states clearly on the box that they decided a fully functional front end suspension, steering and drive train would have been too fragile in 1:18 scale. What they should have added was “at this price”. I think most people will happily live with the compromise.
A great model of a truly unique car at a price that won’t completely deflate your wallet – now that is a great combination!
(11/22/2006)
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