During the 1960s and early 1970s, Lotus scored no fewer than seven Formula One Constructors' World Championship titles and the 1965 Indianapolis 500. Along with their victories, the company created many successful race-winning designs for all single-seat formulae including Junior, Formula 2, 3 and Ford.

Successful in nearly every form of single-seat racing, the company turned their attention to the 5-liter single seat competition. Following the contemporary Formula 1 and Formula 2 designs of its day, the Lotus 70 was designed by Martin Wade and tested by Emerson Fittipaldi. It had a central monocoque setup and the engine and gearbox were an integral part of the car's structure. Power was from a 5 liter unit. Originally the company tested a Ford 302 motor and then Chevrolet powerplants. The completed customer cars could be purchased as rolling chassis suitable for either, but not readily interchangeable.

For 1971, a refined version of the Lotus 70 was introduced, dubbed the Model 70B. The first example was on display at the London Racing Car Show and was intended for Bill Brack. After he lost his sponsorship deal, the car was given a Ford engine and raced by Bruce Burness at the Questor Grand Prix. Pete Brock purchased the car in 1972 for John Morton to drive.

Two more cars were built for in 1972. Jefferson Racing Enterprises purchased one example but it was not completed until later in the year. The third car was sold to Kerry and Charlie Agapiou who fitted it with a Bartz Ford V8.

by Dan Vaughan