1960 Lotus 18 Formula Jr
Generously Lent by Harin de Silva
This car placed fourth at Monaco in 1960
Used by Lotus to encourage future Formula 1 drivers
Powered by potent and reliable Ford engine
Following the success of the front-engine Stanguellini in 1959, the 1960 Formula Junior race and all the ensuing races saw victories by cars with the engine behind the driver. Cars from Cooper, Lotus, and Lola were often victorious.
A British driver Peter Arundell was consistently the most successful competitor, finishing 4th in 1960, and then winning in both 1961 and 1962. While the motive power of the little British cars was provided by BMC initially, Ford motors were dominant in the later years of the series, especially in Monaco.
Each of the successful drivers later had successful careers in Grand Prix Racing which validated Lurani’s original notion to use Formula Junior to develop a source of new young drivers for Formula One. Later World Formula One Champions like Jim Clark and Jochen Rindt got their initial start in Formula Junior.
The Lotus 18 was powered by a Ford engine tuned to produce around 110 horsepower and minimum weight was stipulated at 980 pounds. The gearbox had to be sourced from a recognized production car, and the regulations were strictly enforced.
This car actually placed fourth at Monaco in 1960. Later strengthened versions of Lotus 18 with a 2.5 litre engine from Coventry Climax won the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in 1961, and the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring in the same year with the great British driver Stirling Moss at the wheel.
Specifications:
Engine: 1.1 Liter inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 90hp @ 6800 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Weight: 990 lbs