1969 Lotus Open-Wheel

This 1969 Lotus 59 is one of four twin-nostril Team Lotus Formula 3 cars that were raced in period by factory drivers Bev Bond and Dave Walker, as well as by guest drivers such as Emerson Fitipaldi, Ronnie Peterson, and James Hunt. This example has been with the seller for 10 years and was last campaigned in 2010, when it was reunited with Bev Bond at the Oulton Park Gold Cup. The car also appeared in Ron Howard’s 2013 film Rush, where it was used to portray James Hunt’s F3 car in on-track scenes. Power is provided by a 997cc Cosworth MAE four-cylinder mated to a Hewland gearbox, and a repaint of the body was performed a few years ago as described below. This Lotus formula car is now being offered for sale in the United Kingdom with period photographs and FIA paperwork. The Lotus 59 was the replacement for the Lotus 41 and utilizes steel construction rather than aluminum for easier repair. This car was plasti-dipped green for its appearance in Rush and was repainted after filming was completed due to damage on the original finish caused by the coating. The factory Team Lotus Gold Leaf livery was reapplied following the repaint. Photos of the car during the filming process can be seen in the gallery below. The Lotus 59 also competed in Formula 2 and Formula Ford with different engine types, and the model performed well at many events with a multitude of drivers. The spartan cockpit features three dash-mounted gauges along with a set of TRS harnesses and other safety equipment. Suspension is double wishbone up front, with a top link, lower reversed wishbone, and radius arms out back. The 997cc Cosworth MAE four-cylinder utilizes a single barrel Weber carburetor and would have produced approximately 100-110 horsepower in-period. The engine is paired with a Hewland transaxle, and disc brakes are outboard at all four corners. The seller notes that some reconditioning work will be needed before the car can return to the track. Additional period photos of the car can be seen in the gallery along with a period sales ad from December 1969, and the seller states that FIA documentation is also included in the sale.