GRD 372, 1972 372 | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

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Chassis Num: 372-021

Lotus had wanted to pursue more financially lucrative endeavors such as their road car production and closed their racing car division. In 1971, Lotus Components closed and many of the staff left to form GRD, Group Racing Developments. GRD was set up to supply privateers with racing cars and equipment. Individuals such as Mike Warner, Derek Wil, Gordon Huckle, and Dave Baldwin who had been very instrumental in Lotus's racing success were now in charge of their own company. The emblem chosen was a Phoenix. Soon, Joe Marquart was working as chief designer for GRD.

This particular Lotus/GRD 372 car bears chassis number 372-021 and was constructed in 1972. It was originally built to Formula 3 specifications and later updated to 1600cc Formula B/Atlantic specs and was driven by Pedro Passadore.

In Formula 3 European competition the car was driven by Frenchman Pierre Francois Rousselot. Sponsorship was from Gitane Cigarettes. His best finish in the car was a second place finish at Chimay and at Chermont. A third place finish was achieved at Thruxton. A fourth place finishes were achieved at Mallory Park, Estoril, and Caldwell. 4 fifth place finishes were also achieved.

In 1995 the car was treated to a chassis-up restoration and was issued European FIA papers.

Formula B

The SCCA Formula B class was created in the 1960s as a single-seat formula series with engine capacities not to exceed 1600 cc in capacity. The Formula Atlantic class began in England in 1971 and borrowed the rules form the US Formula B series. The engines, mostly provided by Costworth / Ford, were 1600 cc in capacity and featured twin-cams.

Formula 3

Formula 3 was created in post-war Britain as a venue for inexpensive racing. The 500-pound, 500cc F3 cars were noisy, tiny, and sometimes home built. They were often ridiculed but very fast. With an all-independent suspension, tubular chassis and motorcycle engine placed directly behind the driver, the Formula 3 cars are said to have led directly to the Formula 1 'rear engine revolution' of the early 1960s. Although Formula 3 was not created as a training class, Stirling Moss, Peter Collins, Eric Brandon, Don Parker, Jim Russell, and Ivor Bueb were just a few of the many top ranked British drivers of the 1950's who began their careers in the seat of one of these motorcycle engine powered 500cc cars. In 1959, the 500cc formula was discontinued in favor of the Formula Junior specification.

1972 GRD 372
Year	1972
Make	GRD
Model	372
Engine Location	Rear
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Body / Chassis	Aluminum monocoque chassis and Fiberglass body
Combined MPG	0.00

Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown
Chassis Number	372-021

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
Cylinders	4
Engine	Lotus Twin Cam
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	1600.00 cc \| 97.6 cu in. \| 1.6 L.
Engine Electronics	12V
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol

Standard Transmission
Gears	5
Transmission	Manual
	Hewland Mk 9

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1972 GRD 372