Lotus 49 Cosworth No. 5
The Lotus 49 Cosworth, bearing number 5, was a revolutionary Formula 1 car for the 1967 season, designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe. Powered by the groundbreaking 3.0-liter Cosworth DFV V8 engine producing around 400 bhp, it featured a stressed-member chassis design. Its striking green-and-yellow Lotus livery marked a new era for F1 engineering.
Eppie Wietzes’s Debut
Driven by Canadian racer Eppie Wietzes, the Lotus 49 No. 5 represented a rare home appearance. Wietzes, a local hero known for sports car racing, made his F1 debut in 1967. Though less experienced than Lotus regulars like Jim Clark, his drive showcased the car’s potential on Mosport’s challenging layout.
1967 Canadian Grand Prix
At the Canadian Grand Prix on August 27, 1967, at Mosport Park’s 3.957 km circuit, Wietzes qualified the Lotus 49 No. 5 in 16th (1:27.8). In a rain-affected race won by Jack Brabham, Wietzes retired on lap 69 due to a throttle issue, but his effort in the iconic Lotus marked a historic moment for Canadian motorsport.
A Legendary Collectible
The Lotus 49 No. 5 is celebrated as a game-changer in F1, introducing the iconic Cosworth DFV engine. Wietzes’s debut at Mosport adds local significance to this legendary car. Captured in detailed scale models, it’s a must-have for collectors honoring the dawn of a new F1 era.
