The Lotus 79 was the first F1 car to take full advantage of ground effects aerodynamics. Powered by the Ford Cosworth DFV and constructed of sheet aluminium honeycomb, specially strengthened for the pressures exerted on the car by the ground effects, the 79 produced about 30% more downforce than its predecessor, the 78.

Nicknamed ‘Black Beauty’ by the press and F1 fans alike, for its graceful design and sleek profile and its black and gold livery through sponsorship by John Player Special cigarettes, the Lotus 79 was instantly competitive on its debut, the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder. It took pole at the hands of Mario Andretti by more than a second, and won the race comfortably.

The 79 proved to be almost unbeatable during the 1978 Formula One season and provided an unprecedented level of domination. The car took six more victories during the season giving the drivers’ championship to Andretti, and the constructors’ championship to Lotus.