Description
Lotus was one of the first major manufacturers of racing cars to embrace the new Formula Ford after its inception in 1967. Intended as a low-cost introduction to proper motor racing, Formula Ford required relatively inexpensive cars that were easy for the novice to maintain. In line with these requirements, the Lotus 61 was an entirely conventional design by the standards of the day, being constructed around a multi-tube steel spaceframe with wishbone suspension all round. It was one of a number of Lotus 'formula car' designs of this period to feature wedge-shaped bodywork, an innovation first seen on their Type 56 Turbine Indianapolis car.
Offered here is indeed a wedge-shaped Lotus in the form of a 1970 Lotus 61MX Formula Ford. It was one of the last to run off the Lotus production line.
This Lotus FF 61MX-F3\209 is in need of a full rebuild, the fiberglass body needs work, specially at the "nose" (as per pictures), engine ran last time in the 90´s (it was full operational, can have it running and make a video at extra cost, as new oil, carb refurbishment and others are needed before having it running).
It is believed that this Lotus FF 61MX-F3\209 was directly exported to Portugal to "Team Palma", it made part of their fleet for 10 or 15 years, it was then bought by my father to one of the team managers, somewhere in the late 80´s. It has been stored in a garage since. Always had the ideia that somewhere in time i would have the time to rebuild the car and use/ race it, problem is that i´m 6 feet and 5 in. tall and will need some modifications in order to fit the car. Hard to let it go but i'm sure it will be someone's else dream.
