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The Lotus Formula Ford Type 61 was produced from 1969 through 1971. It was first unveiled to the public at the 1969 Racing Car Show. The Formula Ford Series dictated most aspects of the vehicles mechanical components and design which limited the creativity of the manufacturer. The Type 61's were given a multi-tubular space-frame chassis utilizing stressed steel for support. The suspension was similar to that of the Type 51 with the wedge-shaped design gaining inspiration from the Type 56 Indianapolis car. The standard engine was the Lotus/Holbay L/H105 engine which produced just over 100 horsepower. The Hewland MK6 gearbox sent power to the rear wheels. The single seat open-wheeled racers had the drivers placed in front of the engine.
In 1970 the 61M was introduced which brought with it minor changes such as a reduction to the front of the vehicle.
On the racing circuit the vehicles were quick and gave their drivers many podium finishes. Lotus created nearly 250 examples of the combined Type 61 and Type 61M series during its production lifespan with most being exported.
In 1970 the 61M was introduced which brought with it minor changes such as a reduction to the front of the vehicle.
On the racing circuit the vehicles were quick and gave their drivers many podium finishes. Lotus created nearly 250 examples of the combined Type 61 and Type 61M series during its production lifespan with most being exported.
| Formula FordThe Formula Ford series was established in 1967. The series was an economical means of pursuing racing in a league that was fiercely competitive due to strict guidelines. This meant the focus was on the talent of the driver rather than advanced racing components. A strict budget of £1000 kept the playing-field level. The machines used were open wheel, open body work, single seat racers. Firestone F100 treaded road tires were permitted, all others were not. The use of aerodynamic aids, such as wings, were not permitted. The standard engine was the 1600 cc Ford overhead valve. Since monocoque chassis were expensive, they were not permitted. Instead, space-frame chassis construction was utilized throughout the series. In 1979, the pre-'74 Championship was created. This allowed owners of cars built before 1974 an opportunity to once again compete against vehicles that were similar in specifications to their own. A 1974/1978 has also been created with the same purpose as the pre-74 Championship series. The series was later renamed to 1974/1980 as vehicles built up to 1980 were included. The pre-'74 cars were later classed as 'Class A'. The pre-'82 series cars, which included 1974 through 1981, were referred to as 'Class B'. |
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Mid-Ohio Vintage Grand Prix |
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 2005 Jefferson 500 |
1970 Lotus 61 MX |
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| Year | 1970 |
| Make | Lotus |
| Model | 61 MX |
| Engine Location | Rear |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Production Years for Series | 1970 - 1971 |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | I |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine | British Ford Escort |
| Solid valve lifters | |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 1599.00 cc | 97.6 cu in. | 1.6 L. |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Horsepower | 84.00 HP (61.8 KW) @ 5500.00 RPM |
| HP / Liter | 52.5 BHP / Liter |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Main Bearings | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Petrol |
| Block | Cast-iron |
| Head | Cast-iron |
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