LOT 45

1971 LOTUS-FORD TYPE 69 FORMULA 2/B/ATLANTIC RACING SINGLE-SEATER Chassis no. 71/69/F3/FB Engine no. ARCH MOTORS FRAME NO.33

Estimate: US$70,000 - US$100,000

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 45

1971 LOTUS-FORD TYPE 69 FORMULA 2/B/ATLANTIC RACING SINGLE-SEATER
Chassis no. 71/69/F3/FB Engine no. ARCH MOTORS FRAME NO.33

Quail Motorcar Auction|14 August 2020, 11:00 PDT|Los Angeles

1971 LOTUS-FORD TYPE 69 FORMULA 2/B/ATLANTIC RACING SINGLE-SEATER
Chassis no. 71/69/F3/FB
Engine no. ARCH MOTORS FRAME NO.33

Race winning Dave Baldwin design
Type 69 drivers included: Rindt, Hill, Fitipaldi – all F1 Drivers' World Championship winners
A versatile performer over multiple categories inc. FF, F2, F3, and FB
Superb handling
Multiple championship winning

*Lotus Ford Twin-Cam - 1598cc
*Front suspension by double wishbone
*Rear suspension by reverse lower wishbone, single upper link, twin radius rods
*92.5in wheelbase
*175 BHP

To view a YouTube walkaround of this lot please click here

The Lotus-Ford Type 69 is unusual in having been constructed in two distinctly different versions, one a pure multi-tubular spaceframe chassis aimed at 'affordable' racing in International Formula 3 and Formula Ford, while a parallel Formula 2 model combined a stressed-skin monocoque forward chassis nacelle with a tubular spaceframe engine bay at the rear. Design was by Dave Baldwin as a development of the preceding Type 59 model. The monocoque innovation for Formula 2 was required by new FIA regulations introduced in 1970 which demanded aircraft-style rubber bag fuel tanks protected by metal sheathing. Dave Baldwin took the opportunity to modify and update the single-seater's suspension while the famous twin-nostril snub nose of the preceding Type 59 bodywork was replaced by a lowline wedge configuration with underslung 'shark mouth' intake to the still nose-mounted radiator.
These cars were campaigned successfully in Formula 2, most notably by Jochen Rindt in his Bernie Ecclestone-managed quasi-works car, while other F2 Lotus 69 drivers included new boy Emerson Fittipaldi and veteran double-World Champion Graham Hill. In 1971 2-litre Formula 3 racing the works Lotus 69 – with fuel bags within neat alloy tanks – was driven by Dave Walker to win 25 of his 32 races.

This particular car is offered with HSCC documentation (FIA papers awaited) and we understand that it was Andy Sutcliffe's 1971 F3 mount, later used in 1600cc Formula Atlantic guise through 1972-73 by John Dinsdale. Steve Bradley ran the car from 1974-78 when it passed to Colin Thorpe. The car as offered here was restored in 2004 by the highly respected Lotus specialists Peter Denty Racing of Norfolk, England, and it is equipped with a Colin Holt-prepared Twin-Cam Ford engine. For the last ten years this Type 69 has formed part of a collection of single-seater racing cars based in New Hampshire and it is described – individual set-up requirements aside – as race ready.

Footnotes

Offered on bill of sale

Saleroom notices

Please note, this vehicle is offered on bill of sale

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit, charge or debit card for returning clients only. Please note that the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited.
Shipping Notices
Los Angeles & New York Auctions
If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.
Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.
Oversized Lots
Please note that all lots marked with a W in the catalogue are oversized and subject to additional storage and shipping methods. All additional lots purchased with W lots are considered group lots and will be subject to the same terms as W lots.
W Lots will be transferred to offsite storage at DTD Fine Art Services at the buyer's risk and expense within five (5) business days following the auction. Please contact the Client Services team at [email protected] for the exact movement date.
The per-lot charges levied by DTD Fine Art Services are as follows (plus any applicable sales tax):
FURNITURE/LARGE OBJECTS
Transfer .................. $75
Daily storage........... $10
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
SMALL OBJECTS
Transfer ................. $37.50
Daily storage........... $5
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
Please note property is also subject to a Cross Dock Release Fee ($25 for Smalls and $45 for Furniture and Large Objects) & if charges are paid with a credit card, Door to Door Fine Art Services will charge a 3% Convenience Fee.
If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.
Boston & Marlborough Auctions
Please click HERE for detailed collection and shipping information for Boston and Marlborough auctions.
Special Car Dealer Notices
California Department of Motor Vehicles - Vehicle Dealer Licence, number 07164
- Automobilia
- Cars