Frank Costin

Introduce

Frank Costin (8 June 1920 – 5 February 1995) was a pioneering British automotive engineer known for his revolutionary contributions to race car design, particularly in the areas of monocoque chassis construction and aerodynamics. His innovations helped transform the performance of racing cars and influenced automotive engineering for decades.

Costin began his career as an engineer with the de Havilland Aircraft Company, where he was exposed to aerodynamics, a field he would later apply to racing car design. In 1954, his brother Mike, who was working at Lotus Engineering Ltd., asked Francis to design an aerodynamic body for a new Lotus racing car. This collaboration led to the creation of the Lotus Mark VIII, and Costin’s approach to integrating aerodynamic principles into car design quickly garnered attention. Despite not being a full-time Lotus employee, Costin’s expertise made him an invaluable consultant for the company.

In 1956, Costin’s involvement in Formula 1 began when Tony Vandervell, seeking to challenge the dominance of Maserati and Ferrari, commissioned Colin Chapman to design a Grand Prix racing car. Chapman, recognizing Costin’s talents, recommended him to Vandervell as the body designer for the Vanwall racing car. Costin’s work on the Vanwall culminated in the car’s victory in the 1958 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Costin’s groundbreaking work extended beyond body design. His expertise in aerodynamics led him to innovate the use of plywood in chassis construction, creating a lightweight and stiff structure. This development allowed for the creation of race cars with both structural integrity and efficient aerodynamics—critical advantages in the postwar era of low-capacity sports car racing.

Throughout his career, Costin worked on several high-profile projects, including road cars for manufacturers such as Lister and Lotus. He also co-founded the Marcos car company with Jem Marsh, where he contributed to early aerodynamic designs. Additionally, Costin designed the Costin Amigo, the TMC Costin, and the Costin Sports Roadster. His engineering acumen extended beyond cars; he also created an ultra-light glider in collaboration with Keith Duckworth, a close friend and business partner of his brother.

Costin’s legacy as an engineer and innovator is deeply ingrained in the history of motorsport, with his aerodynamic and chassis designs continuing to influence car manufacturers and racing teams for years to come.