Gene_Carter@avid.com wrote:
> New subject !!!
>
> I have a friend in Houston who races his Lotus Seven in CVAR with me. He's
>also
> bought a vintage Hawk formula ford and would like to see me get a car.
> Naturally, I want to consider a Lotus 51 or 61. I would like to hear thoughts
> on these cars. Good points and bad, reliability issues. What are they like
>to
> drive. I've certainly heard negative things about the Renault gearbox in the
> early 51's. The styling on the 61 is of course a subjective issue, but its
> lower cost may push me in that direction. Also, a risky side note: Mr.
> Brightman wants to get a 51 for himself. This would be great. He would have
> some less controversial topics for conversation !
>
> Gene
It always depends on what the goal is. How important is the vintage
significance
aspect? How important is winning a certain class (and therefore,
picking the most
competitive car in the class vs. one that hasn't a hope... even within FF)?
The 51 is, of course, besides being a Lotus (if that's important), the original
FF. So how much does that influence motivation?
Others will comment with more authority I sure but the only thing I can
say with
authority is that a Hewland is more desirable than a Renault gearbox.
The reasons
are:
Design
Parts availability
Gear ratio selection
Operation
That's all that comes to mind. The Europa S1 Gordini I vintage raced
was a fine
car except for its abominable shifting and less that wonderful ratios.
There is a FF list too, by the way.
formula-ford@autox.team.net
Good luck.
Rod
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