A single seater Formula 1 racing car. The first of the revolutionary and successful "Ground Effect" cars, design for maximum down force, using wings and wide and long side air intakes, that worked to "suck" the car to the racing track. The chassis was narrow and constructed from a riveted aluminium monocoque with aluminium honey combe panels and the car was fitted with the Ford DFV engine and a Hewland FG400 gearbox. The car was developed by Colin Chapman and Tony Rudd. Andretti and Nilsson had much success with the Type 78 and Lotus finished second in the Constructors championship for 1977. The Type 78 was used for some of the next season and helped Andretti win the Drivers Championship title and Lotus win the Constructors title for 1978.