Description:

For 1969 Lotus updated the venerable Lotus 51 with a Indy turbine car inspired
wedge bodyshell and the Type 61 was born. With some additional diagonal bracing in the
chassis the car was a very incremental improvement. The deal was sweetened somewhat by
a tie-up with the English tuning concern Holbay so each and every car came with a proper
race prepared engine with a rocker cover which proved it. The Holbay unit was actually
not bad and featured a proprietary front oil pump adapted from F3 which offered lower
drive losses. Many 61s were sold, even more were produced. The car was also produced in 70 and 71
and by that time was outclassed by the purpose built Fords which were starting to appear.
But this is a 1969 car and among the pre-70 class can hold it's own. With a first class
driver 61s can win against any Historic Ford as we have proven.
For someone who wants a Lotus race car restoration project there could not be a better
choice. This car was purchased by a knowledgeable collector as a resto project but
other interests have forced a sale. Everything is there, guages, body, tail cover,
all the corner parts, the Holbay cover and pump. It even appears to have a chronometric tach. The car is together unlike many
abandoned projects and is easy to evaluate and move. But please do something about that
paint job!


History

unknown


Competition History

none

Engine

• Lotus Holbay Ford "Kent" 1600
  
• dry sump, front mounted Holbay pump
  
• Holbay rocker cover
  

Body

• Original, cockpit opening englarged
  
• tail cover and undertray
  

Chassis

• mild steel spaceframe of mostly round tubes
  
• double wishbones, coil over
  
• reversed lower wishbone, top link, dual trailing arms, coil over
  
• Triumph rack and pinion
  
• disc, Girling 14LF calipers
  
• non-original alloy
  

Interior

• correct leather covered Lotus badged steering wheel
  
• Smiths guages including chronometric tach