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John Mihalich, Jr.

PO Box 1138.
Craig, Colorado 81626-1138 USA
+1-(970) 824-8001 (Voice)
+1-(970) 824-3737 (Fax)
To send e-mail click on name above

John is Registrar / Editor / Webmaster of the
Lotus Formula Ford Register

He is also the HLR Registrar
for the Lotus 31, 51, 59, 61 and 69.

Click here to go to the Lotus Formula Ford Register website.

There is also a Lotus Formula Ford Yahoo discussion group.  You will need to join before you can send messages.  Have a look by clicking here. 

The History of Formula Ford

Formula Ford started in the UK in 1967 as an inexpensive entry into motor
racing.  The power unit was from the Ford Cortina GT, initially 1500cc
but soon 1600cc pushrod.  No wings were allowed, and the wheels had to be from a production car, with narrow section road tyres. The formula was soon used in continental European races as well, increasing its appeal, and it continued as an International formula until 1972.

1972 is kind of a break point, technology wise, in the Formula Ford development.   By 1973 some of the cars were showing up with inboard rear brakes, CV joint axles and side pod radiators.  Later on, inboard shocks and springs became common place.  Moving the
springs/shocks out of the air stream significantlly improved the aerodynamics of these cars, making the older chassis uncompetitive.

Formula Ford in the USA

In the US, Formula Ford was not recognized as a national class until 1969. Before that, they raced as Formula Continentals.  It is believed that the SCCA National race at Willow Springs on March 23, 1969 was the first SCCA National Race for FFs.

Incidently, the winner of that first race was Jules Williams, driving a Lotus Type 51, with a Hewland Mk 6 gearbox, and on Goodyear tyres.  That car still exists today and is still being campaigned in select vintage events, in the USA.

Lotus and Formula Ford

The first Lotus to be offered to the new formula was the Type 51 in 1967 which was fitted with a single twin-choke Weber carburetter. However a number of competitors used the older Lotus Type 31 formula 3 car re-engined and with the compulsory narrower wheels.

In 1969 the successful Lotus Type 59 Formula 2 and 3 car was offered as a Formula Ford as the Type 59F.

The replacement for the Type 51 was the 1969 Type 61 with a Lotus-Holbay LH/105 engine and a Hewland Mk VI four speed transmission. For the 1970 and 1971 seasons the Type 61M was offered with a lower drag front end.

Also for 1971 Lotus produced a de-winged version of their Type 69 F2 car called the 69F.
Lotus 31
This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history. 
Lotus 51
 
 

This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history.

     

Lotus 59F
     
 
 
     
This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history.
     
 

Lotus 61

 
 
 
 
 
     
This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history.
     
 

Lotus 69F

  
     
 
 
   
This is where we will put some information about the car, and its history.