|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Volume VIII, Number 5 |
![]() |
![]() |
A
HISTORY OF FERRARI IN FORMULA ONE BY
KYOSHO THE 1970'S |
![]() ![]() ![]() Ferrari 312T of 1975 |
This is part three of our series covering the Kyosho Ferrari F1 cars in 1/64th scale. These models were originally prizes in a coffee drink promotion by the Dydo Company of Japan. The workmanship in all details and aspects of these small cars is absolutely outstanding and worthy of attention. The 1970's saw many notable Ferrari successes in F1 and the foundation to them all was a new engine design by engineer Mauro Forghieri the 312B (3-liter, 12 cylinder "boxer" configuration). The idea was that a flat engine would give a lower center of gravity and help clean up the airflow to the rear wing.
In 1974, several management changes were made and a young Niki Lauda was brought in to partner Clay Regazzoni. Lauda won 2 races while his more consistent teammate finished second in the championship. For 1975 the 312T model was introduced the transverse transmission was designed to concentrate more weight within the wheelbase, rather than having the gearbox hanging out the rear of the car like most conventional models of the day. With a car like the one pictured here, Lauda won the first of his championships for Ferrari. In 1976 he finished second to James Hunt after a legendary season-long struggle that saw him survive nearly being burned to death in a horrible accident. It is a tribute to Lauda's strength and determination that he was able to come back and stay in contention that season. Lauda won his second championship for Ferrari in 1977 driving a 312T2 like the one shown here. For 1979 the 312T4 was designed to incorporate the latest ground effects ideas. Jody Scheckter and Gilles Villeneuve finished first and second in the championship in cars like the one pictured here. The bottom view clearly shows the curved wing-like underbody tunnels. Unfortunately, this was to be Ferrari's last championship for 20 years! In the side-by-side comparison of the four cars, we can see
the transition from Firestone to Goodyear to Michelin tires as well as
the switch from
Shell fuel to Agip and the increasing influence of major stockholder Fiat
after 1969. Large slick tires approached their maximum width and height
and speeds increased annually. The 1970's were the years of Ferrari and
Lotus domination both teams won 3 drivers and 4 constructors championships
in the decade. |
![]() ![]() ![]() Ferrari 312T4 of 1979 |
HOME>> |
![]() |