By Moosey 04/10/2006 11:44:38

I have never been a massive F1 lover. But, When I was younger I can always remember the vivid black/gold JPS Lotus F1 cars, They were the only car I was interested in. So this is why the only F1 in my collection is a 79 JPS Lotus. Gorgeous!

The chassis is the CS version (Competition Special) A hoped-up version of the standard alloy chassis. It has sponge tyres oposed to rubber. The main chassis is fibre glass instead of alloy. The motor mount is a lighter pressed alloy one instead of heavy cast alloy. The front uprights are plastic instead of alloy again.

VERY quick these are! Top speeds are madness with a 540 motor & 7.2v battery, But you try controlling it!! Takes a master. A true track car, No good for the street.

The body is highly detalied & looks stunning done right. Decals are very tricky to apply. Two versions can be done.. Mario Andrette or Ronnie Peterson. Only the nymbers & driver colours are different.

New parts again are a thing of the past. Although Tamiya did re release the body set a few years back. It doesn't cantain all the alloy parts to make up the rear wing unfortunately.
Black & side bumpers are the original kit items, & White ones are the spare parts version.

There is a very sad story behind this car...

Ronnie Peterson, Swedish Formula 1 driver who won 10 Grand Prix races from 1973-1978. Although never won the world title. He made his debut in 1970, racing for the 'March' team. Who immediately impressed the world with his 'raw' speed. In 1971 he scored 5 second places & was runner-up to Jackie Stewart in the world championship. He soon left for the Lotus team in 1973 where he scored his first win in the French GP. Between 73 & 76 he won a hand full of races & went back to the 'March' team for a very short spell. But, In 1977 he was offerd the chance to drive the new 6-wheeler Tyrrell. This very complex car was not what Ronnie needed to progress & 1977 was a low point in his career. 1978 came & he returned to drive the 'JPS Lotus 79' along with team mate Mario Andretti. Where they both dominated the 78 season. Peterson was classed as the number 2 driver to Andretti. But, He showed otherwise on the track, As he was only 9 points behind Andretti when he won the Austrian GP & there was only 4 races left that year! It was then announced that peterson would be driving with the McLaren team in 79. So when Mario's exhuast broke at the next race loosing him power, Ronnie followed him over the finishing line to let him win. Ronnie thought his time would come next year for sure.. Unfortunately, All of that ended when Peterson hit a guard rail at Monza head-on! Broke both his legs & was rushed to hospital. Although his injuries were not life threatening, He died from post operation complications.

I know, A very sad story. A forgotten hero, Who's glory was cut a little short.