Lotus 61M Team Palma – 1970
Formula Ford was created in the United Kingdom in 1967, through an initiative by Ford Europe and chassis constructor John Webb. The concept was simple: a single-seater powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Kent engine, road tyres and simple suspension, with a rigid rear axle, in order to keep costs low and ensure mechanical parity between drivers. Formula Ford 1600 became an immediate success. It had no aerodynamic appendages, requiring drivers to master car control through sliding and develop sensitivity under braking. It became one of the most important steps for young drivers aiming to reach professional racing. Lotus was one of the companies that developed chassis for this category, benefiting from its extensive experience in single-seater construction. The Lotus 61 was introduced in 1969 and achieved almost immediate commercial success. The following year, the 61M version represented an aerodynamic evolution, with its wedge-shaped nose, which helped maintain the competitiveness of the package. Ernesto Neves was one of the first European drivers to receive this car, allowing him to become the 1970 national Formula Ford champion. Entered by Team Palma, with Nené Neves as its main driver, this example features the team’s distinctive blue and white livery used during this period.
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Model: Lotus 61M Team Palma
Year: 1970
Country: United Kingdom
Power: 100 hp
Displacement: 1598 cc
Weight: 410 kg (regulatory minimum, without driver)
Top Speed: 205 km/h
Engine: Ford Kent inline 4-cylinder