Description
Lotus was one of the first major manufacturers of racing cars to embrace the new Formula Ford after its inception in 1967 when Brands Hatch’s John Webb and Geoff Clarke, the owner of Motor Racing Stables, approached Ford competition manager- Henry Taylor to provide them with 54 identical Ford Kent engines for use in their school cars and for a new one make single seater series. Intended as a low-cost introduction to proper motor racing, Formula Ford required relatively inexpensive cars that were easy for the novice to maintain. In line with these requirements, the Lotus 61 was an entirely conventional design by the standards of the day, being constructed around a multi-tube steel spaceframe with wishbone suspension all round. It was one of a number of Lotus ‘formula car’ designs of this period to feature wedge-shaped bodywork, an innovation first seen on their Type 56 Turbine Indianapolis car.
Lotus were quick to capitalise on this exciting and innovative series at its creation and they became an instant Works team when this particular Lotus 61, chassis number 61MX/ F3/ 229 was made. Chassis 229 was one of the final 61s to be made in 1971, but the remarkable feature of our little Lotus, is how unbelievably original it has been kept over the years, maintaining the same engine block, gearbox, suspension, bodywork and chassis as was provided with the car from new. The car has been recently brought over from Portugal for sale in the UK, and will most likely need refurbishment before being able to return to the winner’s step but nevertheless, it must be said that seeing a Formula Ford as original as this is a very rare sight, and one that cannot be overlooked. As the popularity of the Historic Formula Ford championships continue to grow, a unique example of a very significant racing car is an exciting challenge to the next owner.
We walk the walk and talk the talk on Formula Ford’s. Having raced an Elden and Jamun FF, we can say what fantastic racing cars they are. Inexpensive to buy and run and very much equal in respect of their engine and gearbox, winning in a formula Ford is all about set up and driver ability. The HSCC runs a well supported FF series and this is a car that would drop straight into a grid such as that. As mentioned, this car will need a full preparation before a new season begins but the pedigree, history and eligibility of this particular Lotus make it eligible for any event that runs Formula Ford. After all, Formula Ford was designed to bring low cost single seater racing to owners and spectators alike and continues to thrive nearly sixty years on.
