1967 Lotus 51 Formula Ford

History

The Lotus 51 is the car that started Formula Ford.  This particular car’s early history is still unknown, but it has its original chassis tag still on it, as well as its Arch Motors number stamped into the frame.

The car has been actively raced the past several years in several Vintage Racing events, plus a previous competitor in the Crossflow Cup on the U.S. west coast.

Description

The Lotus is in excellent condition. It has a low time, Ivey engine. The Hewland gearbox has been maintained by John Anderson Racing. Koni double adjustable shocks all around with Eibach springs.

The car comes with an original Renault gearbox, and complete, period correct, Ford Cortina racing engine. Includes 4 spare Panasport wheels.

This is the iconic Formula Ford, the Lotus 51. Not only is it very quick (running 1:48’s at Sonoma Raceway), it is beautiful, with a slight racing patina of an actively raced car. So you can run it up front now, and you also have the option to return it back to its original configuration with the Cortina engine and Renault gearbox.

Includes:

• Ivey engine with aluminum head
• Hewland Mk 9 gearbox from Taylor Race Engineering
• Koni double adjustable shocks
• Eibach springs
• Tilton clutch and starter
• Electronic ignition
• Moroso dry sump oil pan
• Oil cooler
• Porterfield R4-1 brake pads
• Increased height rollover hoop
• Windscreen reconfigured to increase shoulder space and help improve ingress/egress
• Original style seat and steering wheel (racing wheel included)
• Corner balanced
• Schroth harness valid through 2027
• Custom Fuel Safe fuel cell valid through September 2028
• Logbooks from 2002
• Current 2025 VARA annual tech inspection approval

Maintenance and upgrades completed during recent stewardship:

• Replace rubber donut drive axle couplings
• Steering rack rebuilt by John Kouba
• Replace brake rotors
• Replace front wheel bearings and seals
• Rebuild front and rear brake master cylinders
• Rebuild front and rear brake calipers
• Flush and resolder radiator
• Remove and replace oil sump to clean and inspect, then renew seals and gaskets
• Engine oil and filter replaced and dry sump reservoir cleaned after each event weekend
• Valves adjusted and brake fluid flushed after every race weekend

Spares:

• Complete used 1.6L Ford Kent Crossflow engine from carburetor to oil sump
• Flywheel and clutch
• Four spare Panasport wheels
• Original style Renault R-8 type 330 gearbox and requisite chassis mounting bracketry
• Period correct mirrors
• Miscellaneous gaskets, fasteners and hardware

All vehicle descriptions are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Corrections, and supplemental information, are always welcome. Buyers are responsible for confirming vehicle histories, condition, and authenticity to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. Motorsports Market is not the owner of the vehicle and assumes no liability for errors and omissions.

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