The Lotus Type 66 is the first of a series of exclusive and historically accurate creations based on designs that were never brought to life.

Last year, Autocar reported that the newly established Lotus Advanced Performance division aims to turn these unrealized concepts into reality.

By using modern materials, techniques, and components, Lotus will build limited numbers of these models, based on designs and plans from their archives, although they will come with a hefty price tag.

The Type 66, being the first to be officially unveiled, sets the precedent for how Lotus will approach the creation of these retro-modern vehicles.

The original Type 66 was initially developed by Lotus founder Colin Chapman with the intention of entering it into the Can-Am racing series in 1970.

However, because of Chapman’s focus on Formula 1, the project never went beyond technical drawings and scale models made by Geoff Ferris, who later designed race cars for Brabham and Penske.

If the car had made it onto the track, it would have likely been driven by two-time F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, according to Clive Chapman, the son of Colin and managing director of Classic Team Lotus.

He also mentioned that the Type 66 would have shared its design philosophy with the Type 72 F1 car, utilizing side-mounted radiators for improved aerodynamics.

The race car was digitally recreated using 1:4 and 1:10-scale drawings provided by Chapman and modified to meet modern safety standards.

Changes were made to accommodate current regulations, such as onboarding the fuel cell and adding a fixed rollover bar.

Lotus has also made adjustments to improve drivability, including a sequential gearbox with a multi-plate clutch, an anti-stall system, and a reverse gear. Additional features include power steering and a race-honed anti-lock braking system (ABS).