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PO Box 1138.
Craig, Colorado 81626-1138 USA
+1-(970) 824-8001 (Voice)
+1-(970) 824-3737 (Fax)
To send e-mail click on name above
John is Registrar / Editor / Webmaster of the
Lotus Formula Ford Register
He is also the HLR Registrar
for the Lotus 31, 51, 59, 61 and 69.
Click here to go to the Lotus Formula Ford Register website.
There is also a Lotus Formula Ford Yahoo discussion group. You will need to join before you can send messages. Have a look by clicking here.
The History of Formula Ford
Formula Ford started in the UK in 1967 as an inexpensive entry into motor
racing. The power unit was from the Ford Cortina GT, initially 1500cc
but soon 1600cc pushrod. No wings were allowed, and the wheels had to be
from a production car, with narrow section road tyres. The formula was soon used in continental European races as well, increasing
its appeal, and it continued as an International formula until 1972.
1972 is kind of a break point, technology wise, in the Formula Ford development. By 1973
some of the cars were showing up with inboard rear brakes, CV joint axles and side pod
radiators. Later on, inboard shocks and springs became common place. Moving the
springs/shocks out of the air stream significantlly improved the aerodynamics of these cars,
making the older chassis uncompetitive.
Formula Ford in the USA
In the US, Formula Ford was not recognized as a national class until 1969. Before that, they raced as
Formula Continentals. It is believed that the SCCA National race at Willow Springs on March
23, 1969 was the first SCCA National Race for FFs.
Incidently, the winner of that first race
was Jules Williams, driving a Lotus Type 51, with a Hewland Mk 6 gearbox, and on Goodyear
tyres. That car still exists today and is still being campaigned in select vintage events, in the
USA.
Lotus and Formula Ford
The first Lotus to be offered to the new formula was the Type 51 in 1967 which was fitted with a single twin-choke Weber carburetter. However a number of competitors used the older Lotus Type 31 formula 3 car re-engined and with the compulsory narrower wheels.
In 1969 the successful Lotus Type 59 Formula 2 and 3 car was offered as a Formula Ford as the Type 59F.
The replacement for the Type 51 was the 1969 Type 61 with a Lotus-Holbay LH/105 engine and a Hewland Mk VI four speed transmission. For the 1970 and 1971 seasons the Type 61M was offered with a lower drag front end.
Also for 1971 Lotus produced a de-winged version of their Type 69 F2 car called the 69F.
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| This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history. |
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This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history. |
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Lotus 59F |
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This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history. |
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Lotus 61
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This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history. |
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Lotus 69F |
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This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history. |
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