This children’s ride was reportedly manufactured in England in the 1970s and was purchased by the seller in 2022. It was subsequently refurbished in the black and gold John Player Special livery of the Lotus 72D that was piloted by Emerson Fittipaldi to the 1972 Formula One World Driver’s Championship. The ride features fiberglass bodywork atop a matching base, and motion is provided by a coin-operated 0.25 horsepower electric motor. Additional equipment includes a speaker system that plays simulated engine noises as well as a cast aluminum steering wheel, a 110-volt three-prong plug, caster wheels, and folding cast aluminum footings. This Lotus-style children’s ride is now offered at no reserve in Point Pleasant Boro, New Jersey, with refurbishment photos and a bill of sale.
The Lotus 72 was introduced for the 1970 Formula One season and featured a wedge-shaped design, front and rear wings, and side-mounted radiators. Emerson Fittipaldi joined Team Lotus as a replacement for Jochen Rindt in 1970 and went on to win five out of 12 races in a 72D in 1972 en route to taking the World Driver’s Championship, while Lotus won the constructors’ championship. At age 25, Fittipaldi was the youngest driver to date to win a Driver’s Championship.
The fiberglass bodywork and base on this ride were refinished in black with gold accents and lettering during the refurbishment. Replica #8 John Player Special livery is affixed to the bodywork. Goodyear Eagle-branded faux tires with gold centers are mounted all around, while Ford-branded faux valve covers simulate the engine.
The base features caster wheels and fold-down cast aluminum footings as well as a silver speaker grille and gold-finished step plates and front and rear bumpers.
The cockpit is equipped with a single fiberglass seat as well as a cast aluminum three-spoke steering wheel.
The ride retains its coin-operated mechanism and is set up to offer a one-minute ride for 25 cents. A Brook Crompton Parkinson Motors 0.25 horsepower electric motor provides motion while simulated engine noises are played through a speaker in the base. Power is supplied by a 110-volt three-prong plug.
