1958 saw Team Lotus enter their first Grand Prix.
The 16 made it s debut at the French Grand Prix, but unfortunately retired, though reliability problems were sorted by the Italian Grand Prix, with Lotus’ finishing 6th and 7th (Graham Hill leading Allison).
Innes Ireland joined the Grand Prix team in 1959 to replace Allison, who was driving a Ferrari.
1960 saw Lotus 16’s enter 3 races, but by now the team had switched to the rear engined 18.
Initially racing Formula 2 Lotus Twelve’s. The team’s debut in the Monaco Grand Prix resulted in a 6th Place for Cliff Allison, the first of a trio of consecutive points scoring finishes for the British driver.
The Moroccan GP also saw two finishes, which was something to build on for 1959.
Lotus finished 6th in the Constructors Championship.
Ireland scored a 4th and 5th during the season, but retired from the other 4 events he entered.
Graham Hill only had a 7th and 9th to show for his efforts and so became disenchanted with Lotus and left to join BRM.
Lotus though improved their Constructors Championship position to 4th, though well behind the Top 3 teams.
