Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Chassis No: 51AFF106
Mot Expiry: None

Introduced in 1967, the Type 51 was the Norfolk concern's first specific Formula Ford design. Derived in part from the earlier Lotus Type 31 Formula 3 cars (some of which had already undergone conversion to FF specification), it utilised a multi-tubular spaceframe chassis complete with steel undertray. Equipped with all round independent suspension (unequal length wishbones front, reverse lower wishbone / top link / twin radius arms rear), disc brakes and rack and pinion steering, it was powered by a 1600cc Ford Cortina cross-flow engine. A great success, it immediately became the new formula's performance benchmark. In production for two years, it is thought that some 218 were made.
Part of the collection since 1995, this particular example has been re-imported from America. Seemingly original, it is reputed to have scared a previous novice owner so badly with its pace that he retired it to long term storage after just one outing. Finished in green with a yellow centre stripe and red upholstery, its silver-painted steel wheels wear Dunlop tyres. Topped by a single Weber carburettor and Lotus-Holbay rocker cover, its dry-sumped four-cylinder powerplant carries a '711M 6015 BA' block casting number (indicating that it dates from circa 1970). Benefiting from a Hewland gearbox (H8-20), chassis 106 should be eligible for the HSCC Historic Formula Ford Championship among other formulas. Though, naturally it would require careful re-commissioning prior to making a track comeback.