1962 Lotus 22 Formula Junior

Colin Chapman’s Lotus Group of Companies was famously ‘casual’ when it came to documentation.

Consequently, picking your way through the history and provenance of any single car can be a labyrinthine and complex process, usually involving much sighing, muttering and scratching of the head.

We’re here to tell you that this glorious machine is no exception, but for somewhat different reasons.

The confusion begins some time prior to 2000 when the car was advertised for sale as a Lotus 61 Formula Ford.

The car, which was in Germany at the time, was then bought by well-known Lotus whisperer Kevin Whittle, who set about the business of taking a closer look at the car and, vitally, its history.

A 1973 Austrian motorsport 'OSK Wagen Pass' revealed that the car was, in fact, a Lotus 22 which had been re-clothed as a Lotus 61 at some point.

This finding was promptly confirmed by Peter Denty and, at a later date, by Alan Putt, the man who conceived the Historic Formula Junior series.

Peter Denty was commissioned to restore the car to its full Lotus 22 status and, although the car was sold in 2004, the new owner renewed Peter Denty’s remit and the work continued.

The car was registered for historic racing in 2007 and won its FIA HP credentials for Period F Single-Seater Racing Cars (F|/2) in 2010.

In 2017 Nick Finburgh of Classic Autos bought the car and took it racing at various historic events around the UK.

With its Lotus HSCC identity papers renewed in 2019, the car was sold to the vendor, who has kept, maintained and cared for the car as part of his collection.

The car hasn’t done much since then and the next owner will need to apply for FIA HTP papers if his or her avowed desire is to take this splendid machine racing at the myriad of historic events for which it would be eligible once tweaked and fettled to conform with the current regulations.

The car we have with us today, which we understand has been thoroughly checked over by specialists and given a clean bill of mechanical health, has the following specification.

· Stuart Rolt 1098cc Ford 109E engine

· Cosworth front-mounted dry sump pump

· Twin 40DCOE Weber carbs with plated inlet manifolds

· Hewland Mk6 5-speed gearbox with right-hand gear shift

· Electronic ignition.

You’ll find plenty more information in the (very) comprehensive files that accompany the vehicle.

The bodywork is untroubled by any dents, ripples, folds, creases or bumps of any significance that we can see.

The paintwork is equally impressive and the car has little more to show for its 60 years of life than the odd stone chip here and scuff there & a small bit of "spiderweb" paint cracking around the roll over hoop.

The ‘wobbly web’ wheels appear to be in good order, as do the tyres and all external fixtures, fittings and visible engineering components – as far as we can tell.

It’s a beautiful single-seater Lotus racing car and it’s in very good condition – there’s really not much more to say about its external appearance.

The simple, functional interior is as you would hope, save for a split and a tear in the red vinyl seat, which may or may not merit your attention at some point.

As far as we’re aware, all buttons, knobs, dials, levers, switches and stalks do what they’re supposed to do.

The undersides of the car look straight and true to us and everything seems to have a good deal of structural integrity.

It’s the same story with the jewel-like engine, where all appears to be clean, dry, present and correct.

You will, of course, want to see for yourself.

We have started the car and run it a very short distance – which was enough for us to discern that it will be needing a new battery.

This car comes with a great deal of documentation, detailing pretty much all of the work it’s had done since returning to these shores from Germany.

There too many invoices, receipts and bills to mention here (you’ll find them in the documents section), but more recent highlights include new tyres and a new timing belt in 2018.

You will also find previous FIA and historic racing accreditation paperwork, lots of articles and cuttings, and a thick wad of photographs.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a very good standard.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

There is little doubt that Lotus produced some of the most exquisite single-seater racing cars ever seen, including the Types 20, 21, 22, 24 and 25.

These cars were driven by legends and they won championships; Lotus drivers, so revered today, included Arundell, Taylor, Ireland and of course the great Jimmy Clark.

This car – subject to individual motorsport authority setup requirements – is ready for front-line use again and should be only a tweak or two away from eligibility for some of the greatest motor racing events in the world, including Goodwood Revival, Monterey Reunion, Monaco Historics, Silverstone Classic, Oldtimer GP (Nürburgring)….and others too numerous to mention.

In fact, as single seater racing cars go, it’s more a question of which events to sit out, as so many welcome these historically important and dynamically superb formula racers.

This is as good an opportunity to enter that exciting world as you’re likely to find anywhere.

We’re happy to offer this superb vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £50,000 - £60,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.