Gordini T18S

About this model

Just two new Type 18S Gordinis were built. The tubular chassis, numbered 020 and 021, were fitted with Type 15 Dubonnet suspension at the front and torsion bar suspension from the Type 45G and Type 16 Formula 1 models at the rear.

Designed and built by Gordini, the bodywork was highly original, made entirely from Duralumin and with great care taken over its aerodynamics. It had a full underbody fairing and, no doubt for the first time, the rear wheelarches were integrated within the interior of the car, while the wide door pillars merged into the curves of the bodywork. The rear screen, made from Plexiglass, came from a Djinn helicopter and was modified to fit perfectly. So that the driver would be as close to the centre of the car as possible, his seat was relocated right next to the transmission tunnel; the filler pipe for the engine oil was routed between the centre tunnel and the passenger seat, which was positioned against the right-hand door. With a very short 2.22m wheelbase and an overall length of 3.61m, the car was remarkably agile. It weighed just 550kg, which was welcome news, given González' portly build (an estimated 102kg!).

The 1491cc Type 15C engine was fitted with a Wade RO15 supercharger made from magnesium and was rated as equivalent to a 2982cc naturally-aspirated unit.