Tamiya Lotus Type 79 1978 1/20 Scale Model Kit

The Tamiya 1/20 Lotus Type 79 1978 is a highly detailed plastic model kit recreating one of the most iconic Formula One cars of the ground-effect era.

Known as the "Black Beauty", the Lotus Type 79 was an evolution of the revolutionary Type 78 ground-effect car. Its distinctive black and gold livery, sleek bodywork and advanced aerodynamic design made it one of the most recognisable Formula One cars of the late 1970s.

The Type 79 made its Grand Prix debut at the 1978 Belgian Grand Prix, where Mario Andretti drove the car to an impressive pole-to-finish victory. The car went on to play a major role in Lotus' successful 1978 season, with Andretti winning five races and securing the Drivers' Championship, while Ronnie Peterson added another victory to help Lotus win the Constructors' Championship.

Highly Detailed 1/20 Scale Model

The completed model measures approximately 220mm in length and 108mm in width.

Tamiya has faithfully reproduced the Lotus Type 79's distinctive low-profile shape, wide side pontoons and ground-effect aerodynamic design.

The kit features removable front and rear cowlings, allowing the detailed cockpit, engine and suspension to remain visible even after assembly.

Famous "Black Beauty" Design

The Lotus Type 79 is instantly recognisable thanks to its dramatic black and gold colour scheme.

The car's aerodynamic design was based around the ground-effect principle, using specially shaped side pontoons and underbody surfaces to generate downforce.

Tamiya has accurately reproduced the wedge-shaped side pontoons and their distinctive undersurfaces, which were a key part of the Type 79's aerodynamic performance.

Detailed Ford Cosworth DFV Engine

The Lotus Type 79 was powered by the legendary Ford Cosworth DFV V8 engine.

The engine is reproduced in impressive detail, including the engine block, exhaust system, plumbing and surrounding components.

The kit also includes metal air-funnel covers and detailed ignition plug cables to enhance the realism of the completed model.

Removable Front and Rear Cowlings

The front and rear cowlings can be removed even after the model has been assembled.

This allows the modeller to display the detailed:

• Cockpit
• Ford Cosworth DFV engine
• Rear suspension
• Gearbox
• Radiators
• Oil cooler
• Other mechanical components

This makes the completed model an excellent display piece as well as an enjoyable assembly project.

Detailed Ground-Effect Side Pontoons

The Type 79's wide side pontoons are accurately reproduced, including their distinctive aerodynamic undersurfaces.

The side pontoons house the radiators and other cooling equipment, with Tamiya reproducing the radiator, oil cooler and master cylinder in detail.

Detailed Rear Wing

The rear wing features large aerodynamic side panels characteristic of the Lotus Type 79.

The rear section of the car also incorporates detailed suspension components and bodywork, providing an excellent representation of the real Formula One machine.

Choice of Drivers and Race Specifications

The kit includes decals for both the No. 5 and No. 6 Lotus cars.

Two different roll bars and different side-pontoon air outlets are included, allowing the modeller to build the car associated with Mario Andretti or Ronnie Peterson.

The parts allow different configurations based on either the 1978 British Grand Prix or German Grand Prix specifications.

Recommended Tamiya Paints

The model is supplied unpainted and requires assembly and painting.

For an accurate finish, the following Tamiya colours are recommended:

Tamiya Spray Paint

• TS-14 Black

Tamiya Acrylic / Enamel Paints

• X-1 Black
• X-2 White
• X-6 Orange
• X-7 Red
• X-8 Lemon Yellow
• X-10 Gun Metal
• X-11 Chrome Silver
• X-12 Gold Leaf
• X-18 Semi Gloss Black
• XF-1 Flat Black
• XF-16 Flat Aluminum
• XF-24 Dark Grey
• XF-56 Metallic Grey
• XF-63 German Grey

Paint requirements can vary depending on the desired level of detail and finishing technique.

Key Features

• Official Tamiya plastic model kit
• 1/20 scale
• Lotus Type 79 1978
• Tamiya Item No. 20060
• Product Code 20060-000
• Grand Prix Collection No. 60
• Iconic "Black Beauty" Lotus F1 car
• Detailed Ford Cosworth DFV V8 engine
• Metal air-funnel covers
• Detailed ignition plug cables
• Detailed gearbox
• Detailed rear suspension
• Detailed cockpit
• Detailed side pontoons
• Ground-effect underbody
• Detailed radiator
• Oil cooler
• Master cylinder
• Removable front cowling
• Removable rear cowling
• Large rear wing
• Rubber tyres
• Decals for No. 5 and No. 6 cars
• Two types of roll bars
• Two types of side-pontoon air outlets

Specifications

• Brand: Tamiya
• Product: Lotus Type 79 1978
• Item Number: 20060
• Product Code: 20060-000
• Series: 1/20 Grand Prix Collection
• Collection Number: No. 60
• Scale: 1/20
• Model Type: Plastic Model Assembly Kit
• Vehicle: Lotus Type 79
• Year: 1978
• Engine: Ford Cosworth DFV V8
• Length: 220mm
• Width: 108mm
• Assembly Required: Yes
• Painting Required: Yes
• Decals: Included
• Tyres: Rubber

Tamiya officially lists the finished model at 220mm long and 108mm wide.

What's Included

• 1/20 scale Lotus Type 79 plastic model kit
• Plastic components
• Rubber tyres
• Clear parts
• Metal air-funnel covers
• Decal sheet
• Alternative roll bar components
• Alternative side-pontoon air outlets
• Assembly instructions

Paints and Tools Required

This is an unassembled plastic model kit. Paints, modelling tools, glue and finishing materials are not included unless specifically stated.

For assembly and finishing, we recommend:

• Plastic model cement
• Side cutters
• Hobby knife
• Fine sanding tools
• Tweezers
• Modelling brushes
• Tamiya paints
• Masking tape
• Optional airbrush

A Formula One Classic

The Tamiya Lotus Type 79 1978 is an excellent choice for Formula One enthusiasts, Lotus fans, Tamiya collectors and scale model builders.

With its iconic black and gold appearance, ground-effect side pontoons, detailed Ford Cosworth DFV V8 engine and removable body sections, this 1/20 scale kit captures one of the most influential Formula One cars of the 1970s.

The Lotus Type 79 helped establish the effectiveness of ground-effect aerodynamics and became one of the defining cars of the 1978 Formula One season.

Please note: This is a plastic model assembly kit. It is not a ready-to-run or assembled model. Assembly, painting and finishing are required.