The Lotus 79 was the class of the field during the 1978 season and Mario Andretti drove it to the championship title. One of the most respected racing car designs of all time, the Lotus 79 advanced and utilised the technologies that were pioneered by the 78 the previous year to great effect (see “Andretti Lotus 78” painting).

The Lotus 78 was known as “The Wing Car” for its innovative side pods shaped like an inverted wing, which generated negative lift and pressed the car more firmly to the ground (down force) ­ increasing grip. Had it not been for five engine failures during the season, the Lotus 78 would almost certainly have been a title-winning car.

Step forward the Lotus 79. Increased reliability and refined aerodynamics made the 79 too great a force to be challenged in 1978, securing a top-two finish at the first grand prix of the season at Zolder, Belgium. There were six more victories for the car that year and it took Mario Andretti to the World Drivers’ Championship and earned Lotus the Constructors’ Championship.

Painted in 1994.