It was a class where being faster than the other guy meant you were a quicker driver, not that you had spent more money
Introduced in 1967, the Lotus Type 51 was the Norfolk concern’s first specific Formula Ford design. Derived in part from the earlier Type 31 Formula 3 cars, it utilized a multi-tubular space frame chassis complete with steel undertray. Equipped with all-round independent suspension, disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering, it was powered by a 1,600-cc Ford Cortina cross-flow engine and became the new formula’s performance benchmark.
Part of the collection since 1995, this particular Lotus Type 51 FF 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. It would require careful re-commissioning prior to making a track comeback.