1967 Lotus Type 41

1967 Lotus Type 41
Chassis no. 41FL29
1,558cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-Choke Weber Carburetors
Approximately 160bhp at 6,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Desirable Lotus 41 single-seater
*Delivered new to Lotus Switzerland and G. Rollason
*Black exterior from new with Lucas Fuel Injected engine
*Powerful and eligible vintage Lotus

THE LOTUS 41

Introduced in 1966, the Lotus Type 41 reverted to a spaceframe chassis again after the monocoque Lotus 35. The spaceframe was stiffened with sheet metal diaphragms in the foot box, dashboard, rear of cockpit, gearbox area and under tray. The wheels were 13 inch 6-spoke cast-magnesium with 7-inch wheels at the front and 9-inch at the rear, while brakes were Girling discs fitted both front and rear. Lotus planned to build only 34 Type 41 chassis, but finally 61 were built. The 41 (FL) was used in various classes from 1966 to 1968, scoring a total of 55 victories, and arguably broke the dominance of Brabham at that time.

Drivers of the Lotus 41 racers included Piers Courage-who won 5 races and took the French Craven 'A' Championship-and his teammate Roy Pike who also scored a couple of victories. In the UK, Jackie Oliver took some wins and newcomers Derek Bell and Mo Nunn also showed well in the lithe and competitive single seater. In 1967, Gus Hutchison drove his Lotus 41 to 4 wins of 5 races in SCCA's Grand Prix Championship, which was the forerunner to the Formula Continental Championship established the next year. Impressively, Gus took the overall championship against F1 cars with larger 3-liter racing engines.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Lotus Type 41 offered here - chassis 41FL29 - was completed at Lotus in March of 1967. The 41 was finished in a sinister black color, equipped with a Hewland FT200 transaxle, and delivered to first owner G. Rollason and Lotus Switzerland. It is believed that 41FL29 was delivered with a Lotus Twin Cam engine, and raced in 1967 by the Midland Racing Team, mainly in the hands of Swiss driver, Walter Habegger. An internet search will come up with many black and white photos of a Lotus Type 41 at various events, most likely this very car. 41FL29 would later reside in France, before being exported to Japan in 2005. Now in BRG with a yellow stripe, this would be a fine entry to many vintage racing events.