 1968 Type 51 |
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1969 Lotus Type 51 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Chassis Num: 225 |
| Sold for $29,700 at 2007 RM Auctions. | |||
The car is powered by a four-cylinder Ford engine that displaces 1600cc and enhanced with a Weber 32 DFM carburetor. There is a four-speed Hewland gearbox and an independent suspension in the front and rear. Girling disc brakes can be found on all four wheels.
The Type 51 borrowed the successes of the Type 31 Formula 3 models and incorporated them into a Formula Ford design. It featured a multi-tubular spaceframe chassis and rack-and-pinion steering.
This example has been treated to a complete nut-and-bolt restoration in 2004 which utilized a combination of original and period correct replacement parts. The chassis was powder coated light grey and its bodywork is finished in red. it is equipped with many new parts, correct wheels and tires, and a few modern updates such as a Fuel Safe fuel cell, Lifeline Halon fire suppression system, and a safety harness.
Since its restoration, it has been campaigned on three occasions. At auction this car had another big success, selling for $29,700 and falling just under the high-end of the estimated value. The selling price includes the buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
The Formula Ford series was introduced for 1967 and provided a means for amateur competitors to compete on a level racing field with manageable costs. This was seen as an entry level racing series for racers to prove their potential before elevating to Formula 3 and Formula 2 competition.
The inexperience of the drivers meant there were often lots of crashes, particularly at the start of the race. Since the cars were equally matched it was left up to the drivers to steer their cars to the front of the pack. This often took many laps before the experienced drivers had distanced themselves from the inexperienced drivers. Crashes were inevitable.
The cars were equally matched because the regulations for the series dictated nearly every aspect of the vehicles. The engines had to Ford Cortina GT units and there was very little allowance for modification or tuning. The tires were road tires.
Lotus built the Type 51, Type 51A and Type 51R during the 1967 and 1968 seasons. The cars had multi-tubular space-frame chassis which was suspended in place by double wishbones and coil spring/damper units in the front and reversed lower wishbones, upper links, twin radius rods and coil spring/damper units in the rear. The Type 51A was introduced in 1968 and was very similar to the Type 51, with a few modifications. There was only one Type 51R ever created. It was shown at the 1968 Racing Car Show as a publicity stunt. It was adorned in a 'flower-power' color scheme that was vibrant, flamboyant, and daring.
The Type 51 Series did very well in Formula Ford competition and this helped increase demand for the vehicles. In total, around 218 examples were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe inexperience of the drivers meant there were often lots of crashes, particularly at the start of the race. Since the cars were equally matched it was left up to the drivers to steer their cars to the front of the pack. This often took many laps before the experienced drivers had distanced themselves from the inexperienced drivers. Crashes were inevitable.
The cars were equally matched because the regulations for the series dictated nearly every aspect of the vehicles. The engines had to Ford Cortina GT units and there was very little allowance for modification or tuning. The tires were road tires.
Lotus built the Type 51, Type 51A and Type 51R during the 1967 and 1968 seasons. The cars had multi-tubular space-frame chassis which was suspended in place by double wishbones and coil spring/damper units in the front and reversed lower wishbones, upper links, twin radius rods and coil spring/damper units in the rear. The Type 51A was introduced in 1968 and was very similar to the Type 51, with a few modifications. There was only one Type 51R ever created. It was shown at the 1968 Racing Car Show as a publicity stunt. It was adorned in a 'flower-power' color scheme that was vibrant, flamboyant, and daring.
The Type 51 Series did very well in Formula Ford competition and this helped increase demand for the vehicles. In total, around 218 examples were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007
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 1969
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| 1968 Type 51 |
