Description:

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• Late example of the classic Lotus racer from the early seventies

• Fully rebuilt engine and fresh chassis set up

• Eligible for a wide variety of classic races

• Available with discounted tuition from a historic Formula Ford champion

• Ready to be set up for its new owner

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Launched in 1967, Formula Ford was designed from the outset to be a low-cost race format with cars that were easy for the novice to maintain. It’s still going today and, while new cars predictably use modern Ford bits, there is still a vibrant racing scene for the original FFords (the accepted abbreviation, rather than a typo or the Welsh spelling). Indeed, there are a number of different historic racing championships in which they can compete.

Back in the late sixties, Lotus were amongst the first manufacturers to build cars specifically for the series, constructed from a multi-tube steel spaceframe and with all-round wishbone suspension. The engine was a Ford “Kent” 1600 unit and, by the time of the introduction of the Type 61 that we see here, the gearbox was by Hewland.

Bodywork on the Type 61 was a wedge design, inspired by the Type 56 Turbine Indianapolis car and, at the time it was produced, Formula Ford was a recognised stepping stone to a drive in a contemporary Formula One car. While that’s not so much the case today, in circuit racing terms Formula Ford remains very much the real deal with competitive, close racing, even if the speeds are obviously rather lower than you’ll find in F1 these days.

This example is a late Type 61 which has spent much of its life in Canada before being repatriated in 2018, following active use from 2008-2017. It’s recently had a full engine rebuild by experts Barnett Racing Engines and has reportedly received extensive attention from Enigma Motorsport who have re-jigged and set up the chassis and rebuilt the gearbox.

Looking sharp and ready to be put through its paces, it’s also offered with a discounted offer of racing tuition from the car’s owner, historic Formula Ford Champion, Richard Tarling, at either Silverstone or Brands Hatch, which could prove invaluable.

The car has yet to be used since all the recent the work and so if you’re looking for an opportunity to get into open wheel racing, or are a seasoned racer looking for a new ride, then this completely rebuilt historic car is a fabulous opportunity to get going quickly.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

• 61MX-F3\234’s logbook was issued in Canada in 2008 and shows that it was built in 1972

• It is believed that the car was one of the last off the production line and was shipped to Canada when it was new

• The logbook shows a record of competition use from 2008-2017 in a variety of historic races

• Purchased from a private collection, it was brought over to the UK in 2018

• It has been completely rebuilt by renowned race preparers, Enigma Motorsport, and the stripped chassis was jigged on the original Lotus jig prior to being powder-coated

• The engine has freshly rebuilt by experts Barnett Racing Engines with zero miles since and the Hewland Mk9 gearbox has also been stripped and checked and the drive shafts have new donuts

• The suspension was reportedly fully checked over with new rod-ends and bushes where necessary and has been set up ready for testing on new Spax dampers

• Accompanying the car is an invoice for a full rebuild of the engine carried out in November 2020

• The car has been in storage since and will require a service, shakedown and the installation of up to date safety equipment to meet current regulations

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• As you would expect, it’s a no-nonsense cockpit with a minimal dashboard containing just the essentials

• Six point Sabelt harnesses hold you in place in the bucket seat, though these may need updating to comply with current race regulations

• There’s a Lotus-branded Alcantara steering wheel

• The gearshift is mounted on the right

• A sticker on the dash saying ‘no gear oil’ is a reminder that the car was drained prior to going into storage

• Overall, the cabin is all you need to go racing and nothing more, which is part of the reason that the car weighs so little

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• Currently wearing the later ‘low line’ bodywork, and looking stunning in Gold Leaf Team Lotus livery

• The original tail section/ engine cover is also supplied, in a different black and gold livery, together with a spare set of wheels

• The white painted wheels on the car are fitted with fresh Avon tyres, the design of which mimics the original Dunlop control tyre

• At the rear, the engine is proudly fully on display under a substantial roll hoop

• A modern-spec rain light (switched from the dashboard) is attached

• Overall, it’s not only a fabulous thing to look at but clearly has the go to match the show

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

• Fully rebuilt 1600 Ford Kent engine

• Hewland Mk9 gearbox which has been stripped and checked

• Chassis re-jigged and set up on new Spax dampers

• Starts on the button

• No miles have been covered since all the work and so a full service and a suitable amount of testing is recommended prior to entering your first race

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

While it would make a fabulous piece of art, this classic racer is meant to be used and, having received a full refresh in the hands of the specialists, it’s ready to be set up to suit its new owner. If you want to join the cut and thrust of open wheel historic racing then this should be just the ticket.

To arrange a viewing, please call Lotus Silverstone on 01327 222888. This seller is located in Silverstone, Northamptonshire.

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