The 1961 Lotus 18/21
The 18/21 designation refers to Lotus 18 chassis that were upgraded during the 1961 season with a more streamlined body similar to the new Type 21, and modifications to the rear suspension. These cars were adaptable and could run with either a 2.5-litre or 1.5-litre Coventry Climax FPF engine.
The 1962 Glover Trophy and Stirling Moss's Accident in No.7
The 1962 Glover Trophy is an infamous race. Stirling Moss, driving the Lotus 18/21 for Rob Walker Racing Team (which had switched to using Lotus cars in 1960), was on pole position. Moss crashed at St Mary's corner on lap 36, ending his racing career. According to Moss's own account, he was trying to un-lap himself from Graham Hill after a pit stop for gearbox trouble. He explains, "Graham always used to take a wide line whereas I took a narrow one, so I saw my opportunity to pass him. But then he came and took the bit of road I needed, which forced me onto the wet grass, so I went straight into this earth bank at 100mph without a seat belt on, as they weren’t compulsory in those days, and that’s the last thing I can remember." The accident left him in a coma for several weeks and with temporary paralysis on the left side of his body. Although he recovered, a test session in a Lotus 19 revealed he had lost his instinctive command of the car, leading him to retire from professional racing at the age of 32. His damaged helmet is on display at the Donington Grand Prix Collection.
