1971 Lotus 61M Formula Ford Single-Seater

• One of 248 Lotus 61s built
• One of the more competitive Formula Ford designs of the period
• Recently brought back from Portugal
• Raced only once in its life
• Highly original

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.

The Lotus Type 61 debuted at the BRSCC's Racing Car Show in early 1969 and the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School headed the order list, seeing the new car as an ideal replacement for the Lotus Type 22/51 they had been using. In line with Formula Ford's requirements, the Lotus 61 was an entirely conventional design by the standards of the day, being constructed around a multi-tube steel spaceframe, braced by a steel under-tray, 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 Indianapolis turbine car.

Chassis number '229' is one of the last Lotus 61Ms made in 1971 and remains in remarkably original condition, having the same engine block, gearbox, suspension, bodywork and chassis that it left the factory with, a rare achievement indeed for a 54-year old competition car.

This Lotus 61M has an unusual history; it was ordered by Damiao Carlos Pinto Moreira, a young Portuguese driver who had enjoyed success in Formula Vee, with the intention of furthering his racing career. The car was purchased via Vecar Ltd, the Lotus dealership in Portugal. Unfortunately, its owner was called up to serve in the Portuguese Army in the war it was conducting in Angola and Mozambique; his racing career was suspended and the Lotus never used.

Subsequently the Lotus was sold to a Portuguese car collector and antique car club president, who kept it as a display item for at least 30 years. The last owner intended to race the car and made the mandatory alterations required by the regulations: outside water pipes, etc; however, he had other cars to race and only drove the Lotus on one occasion. The Lotus has recently been brought from Portugal. In short: what we have here is effectively a new-old-stock Lotus 61M, ready to race and offered with a second engine (dismantled) and the original steering column as a spare. The HSCC's Formula Ford series is well supported and this Lotus 61 would drop straight into a grid such as theirs.