The Lotus 51 was an open-wheel Formula Ford race car built by Lotus in 1967. It was powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Crossflow four-cylinder engine of the type used in the Ford Cortina, producing about 110 bhp and driving the rear wheels.
Lotus 51 at a glance
| Built | 1967 |
|---|---|
| Category | Formula Ford |
| Based on | Lotus 31 Formula 3 car |
| Engine | 1.6-litre Ford Crossflow four, about 110 bhp |
| Gearbox | Renault R-8 type 330 four-speed or Hewland five-speed |
| Weight | 900 lb (410 kg) |
| Wheelbase | short |
| Price | £955 |
| Built | 218 (some sources say 150) |
| Replaced by | Lotus 61 in 1969 |
| One-off | 51R of 1968 |
Based on one source (English Wikipedia).
History of the Lotus 51
The 51 was derived from the Lotus 31 Formula 3 car and became a bestseller for Chapman and Lotus in 1967. It was agile and fast, with a short wheelbase and a kerb weight of only 410 kg. Buyers could have either a Renault R-8 type 330 four-speed gearbox or a Hewland five-speed manual.
Lotus built and sold 218 cars, though some sources speak of only 150. The price was £955. In 1969 the model was replaced by the Lotus 61.
In 1968 Lotus built a single 51R with wider sidepods, originally intended as a concept for the successor. It was sold for £1,095 to a US collector, who never entered it in competition.
Design and features
- Ford Crossflow engine: the 1.6-litre unit from the Cortina, tuned to about 110 bhp.
- Very light: 410 kg on a short wheelbase.
- Gearbox choice: Renault four-speed or Hewland five-speed.
- Big seller: 218 cars at £955 each.
- 51R one-off: a wide-bodied concept for the successor, sold to a US collector.
Lotus 51 versions
- Lotus 51 (1967–1969): the standard Formula Ford car.
- Lotus 51R (1968): a single car with wider sidepods.
The 51 came from the Lotus 31 Formula 3 design and was followed by the Lotus 69 in customer formula racing. More cars are in the Lotus collection.
Sources
- Lotus 51, English Wikipedia: engine, gearboxes, production, price, 51R
