Lotus 59 & 69

[allenbrown]

Originally Posted by Chris Townsend

71/69.9.FB 1971: Built for stock; maroon

71/69.10.FB 1971: Built for stock, red

71/69.11.FB 1971: Built for stock, white. F/S by Lotus MN 16.3.72 p.17 69 FB spec, new, white body panels. Perhaps to Geoff Rollason 'the very last Lotus to be made for a private customer, a 69 FB chassis' MN 15.6.72 p.28 and it's white

71/69.12.FB 1971: Built for stock, navy blue. F/S by Lotus MN 16.3.72 p.17 69 FB spec, new, blue body panels. Same ad carries an ex Fittipaldi F2 car and ex Wisell F2/FB spec car, presumably chassis 8

Originally Posted by Alan Brown

71/69/9/FB
I recorded this chassis number at the Great Auclum hill climb in 1972 on the Geoff Rollason car.

Very useful Alan!

[Lorenzini]

Hi,

I am rebuilding a Lotus 69 with the chassis number:
dlh399 unit number 169/28FF


Can you tell me if the numbers are correct? The plate was not clear, so it wasn´t easy to see the numbers.

Thank you

[driftwood]

i would imagine 28FF is formula ford chassis number

[Lorenzini]

Thanks for the tip.

I will need some spares for my Lotus 69 can anybody help with websites to get it?
The car was stored for 23 years so It needs a lot of work the fuel pumps, central brake pumps, brake pumps...
Thank you in advance.

[allenbrown]

Race Car Warehouse might be worth trying

[pkf16]

Originally Posted by allenbrown

Very useful Alan!

I have acquired this chassis in the U.S. I am trying to research its background and plan to run it in our Monoposto series without wings, with a twin cam and with 10" front and 12" rear wheels- the rears I need to source..any ideas? My father had Lotus 59- 59/FB/15 ( F2 specifikations ) refered to in a previous post by Peter Studer. Thank you for any information regarding my project.

[allenbrown]

Can you tell us where you got the chassis and its recent history?

You will see from previous posts that there are plenty of people here willing to help but you will do better if you're willing to offer some information in exchange.

[pkf16]

The 69 was purchased from Peter Dragffy in Montreal in 1988. The next owner, J. Arnold, had it in Golden, Colorado. He had it restored in 1993- a Denty restoration. I acquired it from there. It is currently configured with a 1600 twin cam (Holbay cam cover), 10's & 14's, slicks and wings. It is in the original color of maroon; however, I have seen a copy of one Lotus chassis list that has the color as McLaren Orange. The AM#is 50. That is about all the info I have, other than the reference to Rollason from this site. Could this have been a Canadian car for Bill Brack? My understanding was that his 69 was actually a 59/69. Additonally the wheels are 4 bolt as opposed to center lock like the 59 & 69 F2 cars.

[allenbrown]

It's possible that it went to North America in later life - Fred Opert imported many such cars in the early 1970s so may have bought it after Rollason.

On the other hand, Lotus numbering was a bit haphazrd. How did you identify your car as 71/69.9.FB? Does it have that exact number on its chassis plate or are you working from a frame stamping?

[Chris Townsend]

Originally Posted by pkf16

The 69 was purchased from Peter Dragffy in Montreal in 1988. The next owner, J. Arnold, had it in Golden, Colorado. He had it restored in 1993- a Denty restoration. I acquired it from there. It is currently configured with a 1600 twin cam (Holbay cam cover), 10's & 14's, slicks and wings. It is in the original color of maroon; however, I have seen a copy of one Lotus chassis list that has the color as McLaren Orange. The AM#is 50. That is about all the info I have, other than the reference to Rollason from this site. Could this have been a Canadian car for Bill Brack? My understanding was that his 69 was actually a 59/69. Additonally the wheels are 4 bolt as opposed to center lock like the 59 & 69 F2 cars.

If it came via Dragffy it is PERHAPS the car that he first advertised in Formula April 77 p.62 along with a Lola T360. Given this combination of cars, and the engines advertised with them [one Cosworth, one Hart] that advert SUGGESTS that Dragffy had bought both the cars of fellow Quebeqois Victor Larose. Larose had raced a 59/69 in pro Atlantic in 1975 and an ex David Westgate Lola T360 in 1976
I have a photo of Larose which I can't reproduce for copyright reasons. Email on chris[AT]oldracingcars[DOT]com and I'll send it you. It might be worth doing a careful sand down on the rear wing as Larose seems to have distinctive large gold signwriting on scarlet paint.

Dragffy kept the Lola quite a while, racing it at Montreal in the early 80s. That car was last seen for sale by Sylvie Dragffy in 1985, suggesting an estate sale of some kind... So maybe he kept the Lotus too.
Despite his distinctive name I can't trace Dragffy [I'm interested in the T360], so any help appreciated.

I don't think that your car can be the Rollason one, for the following reason. There exists, with FIA papers Lotus 69/FB Chassis no 71-69/9 FB. Built by George Wadsworth, ex Steve Hitchins/ Rob Harvey. For sale 2004 £45,000. Kelvin Jones Motorsport Ltd.
This can't be your car because the recent histories clash, though it is equally possible, since the Rollason car is currently unknown after 1971 that it could have gone to the US/Canada, and the chassis identification of the UK car is in error.
However, the Larose car was, I think, an older 59/69.
59.FB.9 was a car sold new to Lotus East in 1969 and is not known after.

Bill Brack's 1974 Lotus 59 was a 59/69 raced in F3 by Dave Walker. Since Walker drove an abundance of different 59s in 1970 and 1971 this one isn't going to be easy to track down.
My first advice would be to try and find Victor Larose and Peter Dragffy

Chris

[pkf16]

Allen & Chris,
Thanks for your input. I have tried to research Dragffy, but have had little luck. I believe this car, along with a number of other Lotus cars in various states of disrepair, was purchased from him in a "going out of business" sale of his race shop. The car has what looks like an original chassis plate with this chassis number. It is a 69 frame with the raised front shock pickup points characteristic of the 69 as opposed to the 59 frame. I know the frame has been extensively repaired in the '93 restoration, but a Arch Motors stamp is also visable. I'm not sure if the car ever came through Fred Opert's shop in the 70's. My Dad did buy a Lotus 35 with an SCA from Opert in 1970, but other Loti were not common in his shop ( I was lucky enough to visit periodically during the early 70's). Lotus East had the Hebert & Stevenson 69's and the Cocconis' cars, but not much else. I don't remember many other Lotus 69's running in the SCCA Northeast division at that time either. Maybe I can find Larose? Chris, I'll send you an e-mail.

One additional note regarding many of the various chassis (Brabham's, Chevron's and March's) that came to the US through Fred Opert Racing or the Race Shop: My father talks occasionally with Joe Grimaldi- of both shops- and Joe said most of the records from those shops are long gone. "Who knew anyone would be interested in that information?"

[almo- coppelli]

can any body give me more imformation on a lotus 69 in ff trim, plate number is AM7310, all we know is that it was found in Italy damaged, it has been rebuilt in Lotus colours is this correct for this car and we also have a spare chassis which i will try to find the number for, and finally how much are they worth,

[BritishV8]

I've collected rather a lot of info on chassis 71/69/5FB.

If you're curious, here's the full report: Kyle Kaulback's Lotus 69 Formula B Race Car



The article includes about 50 big color photos of construction and preparation details.



Let me know if you spot any little inaccuracies in the article, so I can fix them.

I've also photographed a 1971-vintage Lotus 69 Formula Ford, and will be featuring it in a future article.

I don't suppose one of you guys could please post photos of the Formula Two chassis/suspension for comparison? What did Dave Baldwin's "semi monocoque" design look like? Were any tubes out to save weight? Were suspension pick-up points relocated? Any technical details would be appreciated very much!

[pantah]

Chris - as per our recent emails, you know by now that I now own this car, having purchased it from Nigel Harrison in the USA, and brought it back to the UK.
It is currently in 'Gold-Leaf' colours (to be changed), but was thought originally to be maroon/red and driven by Ian Mawby in F Atlantic.
See picture of car 31 on outside of bend.... colour scheme not dissimilar to Gold Leaf livery!

Originally Posted by Chris Townsend

If it came via Dragffy it is PERHAPS the car that he first advertised in Formula April 77 p.62 along with a Lola T360. Given this combination of cars, and the engines advertised with them [one Cosworth, one Hart] that advert SUGGESTS that Dragffy had bought both the cars of fellow Quebeqois Victor Larose. Larose had raced a 59/69 in pro Atlantic in 1975 and an ex David Westgate Lola T360 in 1976
I have a photo of Larose which I can't reproduce for copyright reasons. Email on chris[AT]oldracingcars[DOT]com and I'll send it you. It might be worth doing a careful sand down on the rear wing as Larose seems to have distinctive large gold signwriting on scarlet paint.

Dragffy kept the Lola quite a while, racing it at Montreal in the early 80s. That car was last seen for sale by Sylvie Dragffy in 1985, suggesting an estate sale of some kind... So maybe he kept the Lotus too.
Despite his distinctive name I can't trace Dragffy [I'm interested in the T360], so any help appreciated.

I don't think that your car can be the Rollason one, for the following reason. There exists, with FIA papers Lotus 69/FB Chassis no 71-69/9 FB. Built by George Wadsworth, ex Steve Hitchins/ Rob Harvey. For sale 2004 £45,000. Kelvin Jones Motorsport Ltd.
This can't be your car because the recent histories clash, though it is equally possible, since the Rollason car is currently unknown after 1971 that it could have gone to the US/Canada, and the chassis identification of the UK car is in error.
However, the Larose car was, I think, an older 59/69.
59.FB.9 was a car sold new to Lotus East in 1969 and is not known after.

Bill Brack's 1974 Lotus 59 was a 59/69 raced in F3 by Dave Walker. Since Walker drove an abundance of different 59s in 1970 and 1971 this one isn't going to be easy to track down.
My first advice would be to try and find Victor Larose and Peter Dragffy

Chris

[chuck111]

Originally Posted by studi53

I drive since 1996 with the 59/FB/15 ( F2 specifikations ) in 1973 drove Philip Reader, Jr, Demar, NY ( Terri Novotny ) in the formula C
Who knows the story of 1969 --?
Gruss Peter Studer from Switzerland

I owned 59/B/15 from around 1981 and competed here in US in "Solo" events (basically lowspeed sprints) including entry in 1989 National Championships (6th place I think). Bought the car less engine, I used a 1760 twincam, then switched to 1840 BDA steel rally engine I bought from UK. Sold the car back to the UK in 1990. Beautiful, nice handling car.

Chuck

[AndreaStortoni]

Hi all! anyone can help me with this number? 71/69/2/F3
Thanks!!

[Chris Townsend]

Originally Posted by AndreaStortoni

Hi all! anyone can help me with this number? 71/69/2/F3
Thanks!!

Andrea, yes. Email me chris[AT]oldracingcars[DOT]com

Was 1971 Lotus F3 car, ran in Britain and Europe 1971 and then sold to Italy.

Do you own the car?

Chris

[AndreaStortoni]

Thanks Chris, i've just send you an email, i'd like to buy this car which is in italy...

[mack81]

Just recently became aware of this forum and can help fill in one chassis number. I own Lotus 59/69 with a chassis stamping of 59 XF3-FB-35.
I bought it from Canada almost 6 years ago. It cam with a Canadian Automobile Sport Club Log book going back to 1974 when it was raced by Peter Dragffy as a Formula Ford. His last listed race is in 1977. The gentleman I bought it from had it since 1989 and he had bought it from Charles Le Clerc in Quebec city who had installed a Lotus twin cam engine and ran it aqs a Formula B. It is in that configuration now. It has been actively raced the last 5 years

[eric petersen]

i only like to inform everybody that i am now the new owner of the Lotus 69 Chassis 7169-3-F2
I bought it from Hermann Unold – Germany
It was the Car from Gerry Birrell as Driver in the F2 Championship 1971 – Team Stanton / Lotus Racing
The First Owner of my Car was John Stanton ..than Edie Jordan and so on ... ( From the FIA PApers
In the last 7 Years the Car was driven by Hermann Unold ( Germany ) who bought it from Richard Spelberg (Austria )
The Original Colour from the Car shouldt have been Orange/Black and i know that Richard Spelberg a collector from Austria changed the Colour in the Condition of now ( Rindt / Lotus Colours )

Did anyone have some more informations about my Car or Pictures or Videos from the 1971 F2 Races of Hockenheim -Crystal Palace-Mantorp Park or Vallelunga or Mallory Park ( Points or good results from Gerry Birrell ) or any other Race where the F2 Lotus from Gerry Birrel was or Informations abour Edie Jordan who was a owner of these car to

Greetings
Eric
info@vulcano-racing.com

[RHONA]

Originally Posted by Steve Wilkinson

Did wilson Fittipaldi also drive Chassis 69-F2-1?

I have a feeling this went on to Johnny Blades as I seem to remember it at Thruxton.

I am writing a book on my father in law. Johhny Blades.
perhaps he can help you with any questions you might like to ask.

[RHONA]

Originally Posted by allenbrown

A good picture of the car Autosport 13 Aug 1970 p23. Race Report 1970 has a typo over the chassis number of Blades 59B when it appeared early in 1970 but I assume the number 59-F2-21 in F1R can be relied upon. I'll keep a close eye on Blades' libre entries from here on.

I know a second opinion is always useful so, as I'm in here anyway, Race Report gives the 1970 Lotus 69s as:
Fittipaldi 69-F2-1
Ikuzawa 69-F2-2
Potocki 69-F2-3
Rindt and Solor-Roig 69-F2-4

Allen

I am Rhona -Johnny Blades daughter in law. I am writing a book on his racing.
I'm sure if you have any question he would love to talk.

[allenbrown]

Originally Posted by RHONA

I am Rhona -Johnny Blades daughter in law. I am writing a book on his racing.
I'm sure if you have any question he would love to talk.

Than would be great Rhona. Can you contact me at allen@oldracingcars.com to discuss?

[johnbicht]

Has anyone seen a Lotus 69 that had a narrowed track, with straight lower frame tubes, a March nose, 1600 BDA FT200? It has probably - if it still exists - been returned to original configuration. I would love to know about this.

I can fill in considerable detail about it's history.

[BMW Pete]

Just found this great thread - thank you to all the contributors, great read.

My car Vin 69 F2 5 was the works (Jochen Rindt )Graham Hill/John Miles car and I purchased directly from Pete Lovely's daughter upon Pete's passing in 2011. As many may already know, Pete installed a Formula One-specification, 3.0L Cosworth DFV V8 engine and ran it in the USA and Canadian Grand Prixs in 1971.

My understanding from Pete and his family was this car was bought direct from Bernie Ecclestone as Bernie was not only a partner with Jochen Rindt, but a manager as well - oh how the mighty grow from such humble beginnings :-). So it would seem natural that Bernie was the seller after Jochen's sad passing.

I do have plenty of pictures of the car when in Pete's hands later in life, but I would love to find some period pictures of Graham Hill and or John Miles in the car in 1970 or even Pete's 1971 Grand Prix exploits.

I have just found this one at Paul Ricard in 1970, which caused me to start searching again and found this page

Thanks in advance

Peter Gleeson