The Lotus 30 was Colin Chapman's first and only attempt to compete in the newly formed Can AM (Group Seven) racing. This was an exciting new racing series that had few rules or regulations and left manufacturers to design and create extremely fast machines.
There had been experimentation with Lotus vehicles powered by large, V8 engines. The Lotus's were a perfect test bed for experimentation due to their low, aerodynamic, and lightweight bodies. The Lotus 30, however, was the first attempt by Colin Chapman at competing in Group Seven Competition. Lotus had connections through their Indianapolis program with the Ford Motor Company. Lotus was able to secure a Ford push-rod 4728cc V8 engine that produced just over 270 horsepower. This was the same type that was used in the Ford GT40. With further tuning and modification, including twin-choke Weber carburetors, Lotus was able to extract 350 horsepower from the units. At least one example was fitted with Tecalemit-Jackson fuel injection.
A five-speed ZF all-synchromesh transaxle was used to send the power to the rear wheels. Eleven-inch Girling disc brakes could be found on all four corners. The first few cars were given 20-gauge sheet steel while later models were equipped with 18-gauge paneling to improve the vehicles rigidity.
While most manufacturers were using alloy-block engines, the Ford unit was cast-iron which added additional weight. Other shortcomings for the vehicle were weight-distribution and aerodynamic lift. In turn, the racer was seen as dangerous and later replaced by the Lotus 30 Series 2. It had a revised chassis and updates to the rear suspension done to cure the aerodynamic lift.
Other changes to the Lotus 30 Series 2 were ventilated Girling disc brakes that now measured in 10.5 inch in size. A vertical oil cooler duct was placed in the nose and to comply with North American regulations, a roll-over bar was fitted. The fuel-injection system boosted horsepower to an impressive 360.
The inaugural race for the Series 2 Lotus 30 was at Silverston at the Senior Service 200. Jim Clark drove the car to a pole position. The true potential of the vehicle would not be fully realized that day due to torrential rain which halted the race after just 52.5 miles. Clark carefully navigated the vehicle to an astonishing first place victory. This victory was followed by another victory at the 50-mile Lavant Cup race at Goodwood.
After a few more races, the Lotus 30 Series 2 cars were sold to privateers.
by Dan Vaughan