Under the
bodywork.
The Lotus 79 was the car that made ground effect work. Shaped sidepods turned the whole car into an upside-down wing, and in 1978 it carried Mario Andretti to the Drivers’ Championship and Lotus to the Constructors’ title. In its black and gold livery it earned a nickname: Black Beauty.
This build is Tamiya’s 1/20 kit 20060, detailed with the matching Tamiya 12635 photo-etched parts set. The chassis is coming together first: the Ford-Cosworth DFV V8, gearbox and rear suspension, the riveted monocoque and fuel cell, and a cockpit with seat and harness in place.
The bodywork, which hides almost all of this, comes last. That makes these bench photos the only chance to see the detail underneath.
From the bench photos, 24 July 2026 · 63%
- ✓
Ford-Cosworth DFV engine
Block, cam covers, injection trumpets and ignition
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Gearbox and rear suspension
Gearbox, springs and rear uprights
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Monocoque and fuel cell
Riveted aluminium tub with filler cap and fittings
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Cockpit
Seat, harness, steering wheel and bulkhead
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Front suspension
Rocker arms, uprights and brakes
- 6
Radiators and sidepods up next
The ground-effect venturi tunnels
- 7
Bodywork and wings
Black and gold livery, decals and clear coat
- 8
Wheels and tyres
Final assembly and onto the plinth