Sold | 1971 Lotus 61M Formula Ford Single-Seater

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£14,375 (Est: £14,000 - £18,000)

1971 Lotus 61M Formula Ford Single-Seater

United Kingdom • 13 Sept 2025

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1971 Lotus 61M Formula Ford, chassis number 61MX/F3/229, is one of 248 built and retains remarkable originality, including its original engine, gearbox, and bodywork. It has an unusual history, having been purchased but rarely used, making it effectively a 'new-old-stock' car ready for vintage racing, and comes with a second engine and original steering column.

Condition

7

The car is described as being in remarkably original condition, retaining its original engine block, gearbox, suspension, bodywork, and chassis. It has been stored for an extended period and driven only once. The listing indicates it's ready to race but also mentions some alterations were made for racing regulations (outside water pipes), suggesting minor modifications from its original factory state. Therefore, 'Very Good' seems appropriate, indicating overall solid condition with slight wear or minor reconditioning needed due to its age and modifications.

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Transmission:

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Chassis No:

61MX/F3/229

Odometer:

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• One of 248 Lotus 61s built • One of the more competitive Formula Ford designs of the period • Recently brought back from Portugal • Raced only once in its life • Highly original Lotus was one of the first major manufacturers of racing cars to embrace the new Formula Ford after its inception in 1967.

Intended as a low-cost introduction to proper motor racing, Formula Ford required relatively inexpensive cars that were easy for the novice to maintain.

The Lotus Type 61 debuted at the BRSCC's Racing Car Show in early 1969 and the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School headed the order list, seeing the new car as an ideal replacement for the Lotus Type 22/51 they had been using.

In line with Formula Ford's requirements, the Lotus 61 was an entirely conventional design by the standards of the day, being constructed around a multi-tube steel spaceframe, braced by a steel under-tray, with wishbone suspension all round.

It was one of a number of Lotus 'formula car' designs of this period to f...