The Lotus 72 proved troublesome on its debut in 1970 and the team struggled to get to grips with some of its innovations such as anti-dive and anti-squat suspension.
But when it came good the fundamental rightness of the concept behind the car shone through. Lotus continued with the car until 1973, and in those four years they won the constructors championship three times (relying heavily on the 49 in 1970) while Emerson Fittipaldi scooped the driver title in 1972.
The 72 and its derivatives won a total of 12 Grands Prix.