Lotus was the pioneering racing team that invented the wedge-shaped body, with inverted aircraft-like wings to achieve a greater downforce effect that considerably improved handling and performance. When it first appeared on the racing circuit in 1977, Lotus won five races with drivers Mario Andretti and Gunnar Nilsson, but missed out on the championship. The Type 78 was used up to the first half of the 1978 Grand Prix season by Team Lotus.

This is Tamiya's welcomed re-release of their popular big-scale Lotus Type 78 F1 race car, including new photo-etched metal detail parts for the brake discs, radiator, two types of front and rear wing tips, and seat belt parts. Cloth seat belts are also included. Features moving suspension with coil springs. Engine features fuel pipes and ignition cables. Cowlings and other parts are removable even after assembly, allowing you to savor all that delicious internal detail! Markings are provided for Mario Andretti's #5 1977 British GP car, Gunnar Nilsson's #6 1977 British GP car, and Ronnie Peterson's #6 1978 British GP qualifying race car (with Olympus logos on the sponsons). This re-release comes in a newly designed package, too!