1969 Lotus 61 Formula Ford

Formula Ford has been with us since 1967 when Brands Hatch's John Webb and Geoff Clarke, the owner of Motor Racing Stables, approached Ford competition manager- Henry Taylor to provide them with 54 identical Ford Kent engines for use in their school cars and for a new one make single seater series. Formula Ford was announced to the world from the Racing Car Show at Olympia with rules and regulations prescribed by the R.A.C MSA division.

Lotus were quick to capitalise on this exciting and innovative series and they became an instant Works team. By 1969 they were becoming dominant when this car, chassis number 61-FF-200, was built and driven by Ian Ashley on behalf of the factory as team mate to the legendary ex world champion, Emerson Fittipaldi. It then raced in Britain during the 1970's until eventually ending up in Italy, where it was discovered by Simon Hadfield and reimported about ten years ago. It was then prepared by Simon and raced extensively by him with success and then laid up until finally being bought by our current vendor- another legendary BRDC racer-Denis Welch.

Denis has once again recently recommissioned the car and it now benefits from new belts, extinguisher, tyres etc. and has had the brakes sorted and been properly set up. The engine and gearbox are described as reasonably fresh and strong, with mostly new bodywork and it has been raced twice this year by Denis, with his customary competitive top ten finishes in grids of over 40 cars or more.

Eligible for historic Formula Ford and with current HSCC papers, this car is ready to go. Cheap motorsport in a well historied and competitive car.