$45,000
Race Cars
$ POR
1961 Lotus 20 Formula Junior - SOLD
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Description:
This car has been in the present owner's collection of vintage cars for two years, during which it was not raced. The previous owner purchased this car 22 years ago and campaigned it in numerous vintage events, continuing its long history of competitive success. It has participated in over a dozen Monterey Rolex Historic gatherings, as well as many other events throughout the Formula Junior and historic circuit. Its previous owner treated it to a no-expense restoration by John Collins, a well-known and highly regarded restorer who is not only a Lotus expert, but also spent many years with the Shelby team constructing some of the period's most respected race cars. The desirable Hewland transmission received a rebuild prior to the current owner's aquisition. The engine was given a thorough overhaul by Dave Vehger, with the addition of every possible performance upgrade, including Richardson head, billet steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and an A8 camshaft. Since the rebuild, the engine has been lightly used, only an initial dyno test and 2 Rolex Historic races. More importantly, it is in complete compliance with current competition regulations. This Lotus 20 also features the advanced disc brakes from the 1962 Model 22 and comes with all current safety equipment including a fuel cell, five point racing harness, and a fire suppression system. With its impressive history and condition, #935 is a worthy addition to any collection as an important model and excellent example of a fabled racing marque.
History
From the 1959 adoption of the Formula Junior as an International Formula until its demise in 1964, Lotus was the most dominant force, winning the British National Championship each year from 1960 through 1963. First shown at the racing Car Show in 1961, the 20 proved to be a winner out of the box and was easily the most successful car of the season.The 20 featured smooth lines and a miniscle front area for wind- cheating aerodynamics. The lightweight spaceframe chassis, clothed in fiberglass bodywork by Williams & Pritchard, kept weight at a minimum, and the suspension was simple and performed exceptionally. This competent chassis fitted with the Ford inline four commonly found in the Anglia and mated to a Renault or a Hewland modified VW gearbox proved to be an unbeatable combination wherever the cars were campaigned. the 20 was yet another example of Colin Chapman's genius and was both a racing and a commercial success, with a total of 118 built in its one year production run. After the tremendous success of the Lotus 20 Formula Junior in Europe, this racer became a car highly desired by American drivers for its great potential in US events. One such racer, Sy Kabach, of Millertown, New York, ordered two new 20's in 1961 to compete in regional SCCA events. This car being one of them, is still stamped with its orginal SCCA registration number, 240-126. After being campaigned in many events on the East Coast, this car was retired with its sister car #934, which also survives today.Performance Data
- FJ
- 880 lbs
- Cosworth
- Ford
- Formula Junior
- 1,100 cc
- 105 BHP at 7,800 RPM
- Twin Side Draft Weber -Tipo 40 DCOE
- Richardson
- Billet steel
- Billet steel
- A8
- Very low
- 2
- Overhauled by Dave Vegher
- Front
- Bosch
- Dry Cell
- N/A
- N/A
- Hewland
- 5-Speed Manual
- Rebuilt by Dave Vegher with only 2 races and initial dyno test.
- Fiberglass
- Period Team Lotus Livery: Green and Yellow
- Excellent
- Body by Williams and Pritchard
- Spaceframe
- Lotus
- Steel
- Painted
- Excellent
- Double Wishbone with Coil Springs over Armstrong Shocks
- Double Wishbone with Coil Springs over Armstrong Shocks
- Armstrong
- 4-Wheel Disc
- Rack and pinion
- Dunlop (front-4 50 L13, rear 5 50 L13)
- Red
- Leather
- Yes
- Five point racing harness-Williams
- Yes (oil, water and tach)
- Lotus leather wrapped
- Excellent
- TBD
