1968 Lotus Other

Open wheel formula race car

Ford Uprated built by Scholar Engines

Renault

51A/FF/54

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Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE Thank you for looking. You’re bidding on a 1968 Lotus 51A Formula Ford, serial number 51A/FF/54. The Lotus 51 was the first production Formula Ford based on the earlier Lotus 22 Formula Junior and the Lotus 31 Formula Three. A Brief History of Formula Ford In 1967, a driver’s school in England, Motor Racing Stables, was using Lotus 31 Formula 3 cars for training. They were powered by a one liter Ford race engine which could be temperamental and required constant maintenance. The owner of the school, Geoffrey Clark, came up with the idea of using a stock Ford Cortina engine of a larger size to replace the racing motors. This idea proved very successful and he made a deal with Ford and Lotus to produce 50 of the new cars designated Lotus 51 Formula Ford. The class was an immediate success and within a year with other manufacturers were producing the single seat racecars for the formula. The Jim Russell Driving School adopted the 51 for its school as well. Before the Formula Ford class was adopted in the United States these cars ran in Formula B races. This Car This Lotus left the factory on June 20, 1968 and was shipped to Lotus Canada. It raced in Ontario until it became uncompetitive. The first known owner ran an auto repair shop and it languished outside his shop until the early ‘80’s when it was purchased for parts to restore a Gemini Formula Junior. The new owner used a few parts but auto crossed it during the mid 80’s. Later it was vintage raced, staying in Ontario. In addition to the Lotus data plate it has a registration plate from the Canadian Auto Sports Club, CASC. It changed hands several times in quick succession in the early ‘90’s and made its way back to England. There, it was purchased by a man from Germany and underwent a restoration at Peter Denty’s shop. Denty is a well-known Lotus restorer who also prepared FIA Historic Racecar papers so it could be raced in England. It race only a few times in England and possibly in Germany after the restoration. In the early 2000’s it was sold again and not raced. In 2006 it was entered in a Bonham’s auction in Goodwood, England. Because of the historic connection Lotus 51’s had with the Jim Russell Driving School it was purchased for promotional and public relations purposes by the Russell School. It made its way back to the United States where it was on display at the Russell School (now Simraceway Driving Center) at Sears Point . It’s still seen on its website: http://pdc.simraceway.com/about It’s been a show car since I purchased it. But it’s time for someone else to get it back on the track or continue to show it. Some more information Uprated engine by Scholar Race Engines in England Renault four speed gearbox with right hand shifter Dry sump oil system External coolant and oil lines. Originally the chassis tubes carried those fluids. As original, the wheels are steel; Ford in the rear and Lotus in the front The color sometimes looks black but is the original Biarritz Blue New Odyssey Extreme battery. Comes with a SPA Technique Firesense onboard fire suppression system. It’s complete but not currently installed and needs to be refilled. Moto Lita steering wheel with quick release hub. Hear it start and run after 5 days of inactivity. You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoD_wQVCjls Please email for any specific questions. I'll answer the best I can. Buyers responsibility for delivery. This car may be advertised in other places and may be withdrawn before the reserve is met.