Lotus Formula Fords

The author of this special book is Kevin Whittle, a long-time Lotus enthusiast. This is the fourth volume in his excellent series of books on specific Lotus models, the previous ones having covered the type 35 F2 cars, the 19 sports racers and type 46 Europa S1 and, like these, it is packed with detailed information about the cars themselves at a level which will inform current owners as well as fascinating enthusiasts for the marque and the era in general. Precursors to the first Lotus FF models, the F Junior 22 and F3 type 31 are described before the FF models themselves, types 31, 51, 61, 59 and 69F, are covered in detail with Lotus production figures also listed. As well as the car constructors, several companies supplied the market with major components, notably chassis specialists Arch Motors and bodywork suppliers Specialized Mouldings and a chapter is devoted to these important contributors. The Ford cross-flow and its predecessor engines and the Renault and Hewland gearboxes which played essential parts are naturally covered in detail with many exploded diagrams as well as photographs. A nostalgic sense of period is conveyed by contemporary articles covering model descriptions, track tests and news items but most of all by the contemporary advertisements which are reproduced, many offering cars for sale at prices to bring tears to the eyes.