Lotus 79

One of the most revolutionary Formula 1 cars ever built, remembered for its groundbreaking ground-effect aerodynamics and dominant performance. Designed by Colin Chapman and his engineering team, it carried Mario Andretti to the 1978 Formula 1 World Championship. With its sleek black and gold livery and unmatched pace, the 79 is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and successful F1 cars of its era.

Tamiya recreated the Lotus 79 in 1/10 scale, pairing its distinctive body with the F104W chassis. This wide-track variant of the F104 features a direct-drive rear end and realistic suspension geometry, capturing the character of a late-1970s Formula 1 machine. Built to Tamiya’s factory specifications, this example runs the stock motor and ESC, offering smooth, reliable performance that mirrors the simplicity and efficiency of the original car’s engineering.

The detailed polycarbonate body faithfully represents the lines of the 79 as raced by Andretti, from its sculpted sidepods to its tall rear wing. Finished in the iconic John Player Special-inspired livery, the model captures the look of the championship-winning machine that defined an era. Combined with the proven F104W chassis, it stands as both a tribute to Andretti’s World Championship season and a showcase of Tamiya’s craftsmanship in replicating historic Formula 1 legends.