TimST2 Posted November 22, 2018 Share Posted November 22, 2018 I thought some of you might find this interesting - the historic partnership between my two favourite car manufacturers: Lotus and Ford. Duration: 1967-1983, Titles: 9, Wins: 47, Poles: 56, Podiums: 97 It’s been called the best engine in F1 history – and for good reason. For more than a quarter of a century, Cosworth’s DFV (and it’s variants) was the off-the-peg powerplant of choice for independent F1 teams, driving the likes of McLaren, Williams and Tyrrell to wins and world titles. But the team most synonymous with the engine was the one that brought it to F1 in the first place: Lotus. The partnership began after Lotus team chief Colin Chapman proposed to Cosworth that they design a brand-new F1 unit, which was to be funded by Ford. Chapman had high hopes - and he wasn’t to be disappointed. When the engine was finally bolted into one of his cars three races into the 1967 season in the Netherlands, Lotus proved the clear class of the field, with Graham Hill taking pole and team mate Jim Clark the victory. It was to be the first of 47 victories for the partnership, which lasted until the end of 1983 and included four drivers’ and five constructors’ titles. From: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-best-engine-partnerships-in-f1-history.3GZEdUWfDOCMGuWcAYKMyA.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted November 25, 2018 Author Share Posted November 25, 2018 More here on the Ford Performance website:http://performance.ford.com/heritage/articles/2011/06/new-ford-cosworth-dfv-engine-transforms-formula-one-as-jimclark-wins-dutch-grand-prix-in-debut-race.htmlSent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zain611 Posted November 25, 2018 Share Posted November 25, 2018 I used to think cosworth were a separate company which used to tune fords. I remember them going with subaru to make a impreza cosworth On one program I was watching they were saying the escort cosworth or Sierra cosworth was a rediculously fast car back in its time that I think I was faster or as quick as a ferrari made back then. You should put pics up of your lotus. Would be interesting to see. Someone off my road used to own one but as time went on I can't see it anymore. Lately I've been seeing a mk6 ST parked up on my road 🤣. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted November 25, 2018 Author Share Posted November 25, 2018 On 11/25/2018 at 11:17 AM, zain611 said: You should put pics up of your lotus. Would be interesting to see. Here you go. Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Bloodaxe Posted November 25, 2018 Share Posted November 25, 2018 Nice one! What circuit are you on there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted November 25, 2018 Author Share Posted November 25, 2018 20 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said: Nice one! What circuit are you on there? That photo was taken at Castle Combe - my local circuit. In the last couple of years I've been trying other circuits too, including Goodwood and Silverstone. If I'm honest though that car is better suited to the historic circuits. Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Bloodaxe Posted November 25, 2018 Share Posted November 25, 2018 Yes, I can imagine it would be better on the tighter circuits which call for handling rather than outright power.. I've had a few goes on track over the years and preferred the likes of Cadwell and Mallory to Silverstone or Donington. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted November 25, 2018 Author Share Posted November 25, 2018 2 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said: Yes, I can imagine it would be better on the tighter circuits which call for handling rather than outright power.. I've had a few goes on track over the years and preferred the likes of Cadwell and Mallory to Silverstone or Donington. . Castle Combe is good, but Goodwood is my favourite so far. Much more flowing and a beautifully restored vintage track. Interestingly, my Elise and my Fiesta ST have the exactly the same bhp per tonne. The Lotus is a second faster to 60 though, I assume because it gets its power down better through the rear wheels. I've not taken the ST on track, but I doubt it would keep up with the Lotus, especially in the corners. Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted December 9, 2018 Author Share Posted December 9, 2018 I generally SORN it between the end of October and the beginning of April. Track days do continue over the Winter, but I'm a fair weather track driver 😉 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zain611 Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 For winter I'd try to wax and seal the car. Helps to stop that salty grit from attaching in the car. Also try to keep a rinse bucket with warm water. Can't get warm water in the wash bucket as the hose only let's out cold water and that hose pressure helps create nice thick suds from the soap 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted June 29, 2019 Author Share Posted June 29, 2019 After 14 years, 65,000 miles and 13 track days I've sold my Elise. We waved goodbye to it this morning having sold it for more than we paid for it in 2005. It really was part of the family, and our 9 year old daughter actually cried last night when I told her someone was coming to look at it today. This week's track day at Brands Hatch was a fitting end to Elise ownership, and also a good excuse to start the Caterham adventure by spending 3 hours at Caterham South test driving and discussing options. I'm currently looking at ordering a Gulf Blue 310R. Given the waiting time for a new Seven it's going to be a good opportunity to sort out the garage: I'll miss the Elise, but being a bit of a Ford and Lotus nut, the prospect of owning a Fiesta ST and a Ford-engined Seven really appeals. Right now though, the garage looks very empty... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted July 1, 2019 Author Share Posted July 1, 2019 Doing what it was designed to do. Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zain611 Posted July 1, 2019 Share Posted July 1, 2019 You did well getting more than what you paid for 👍. I think I'd feel it also if I had a car for that long and selling it. I'm sure the Caterham will feel more of a go kart when you own it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted July 1, 2019 Author Share Posted July 1, 2019 5 hours ago, zain611 said: I'm sure the Caterham will feel more of a go kart when you own it. When I test drove the 310R demonstrator on Wednesday it actually felt nothing like a go kart. With lowered floors and racing harnesses you're secured very low down in the car, and the long bonnet makes you feel more like a fighter pilot. It's quite a special experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted August 10, 2019 Author Share Posted August 10, 2019 I fixed the spec on the Caterham today. It goes into build on November 4th... Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan P Posted August 10, 2019 Share Posted August 10, 2019 Wow! That certainly looks like something to look forward to - hope you can handle waiting that long! When do you anticipate taking delivery? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted August 10, 2019 Author Share Posted August 10, 2019 Probably not until late Jan/early Feb!Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan P Posted August 10, 2019 Share Posted August 10, 2019 Ouch, that's a long time! I'm sure it will be worth the wait but surely it's going to be hard to remain patient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zain611 Posted August 10, 2019 Share Posted August 10, 2019 Have to say the these cars really are good on running costs. Can't remember what model I looked at but it has no tax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted August 11, 2019 Author Share Posted August 11, 2019 I don't think any have no tax (perhaps the 160 they don't sell anymore?). I believe the 310 will be £145. It's a 1.6L Ford Sigma, but unlike the 270 has the 152bhp upgrade: https://caterhamparts.co.uk/other/6493-upgrade-kit-sigma-ta-152bhp.htmlYou're right about costs though - it should be considerably less than the Elise it replaces, and easier to work on at home.Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted August 11, 2019 Share Posted August 11, 2019 I guess it depends if you want to drive it to tracks. No need to tax it if it's stored off-road and trailered everywhere. They'll all be £145 flat tax (after first year) as with all new cars at the moment. What are the fuel costs out of interest? Both road & track? Guessing they should be pretty efficient on the road with a small engine and weighing very little? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted August 11, 2019 Author Share Posted August 11, 2019 It'll be used on road and on track. I'm hoping to use this one a bit more at weekends too. I've no idea what the fuel economy is. In the Lotus I was getting about 36mpg on the road. On track I was using about 6L every 20 mins, whatever that works out at... Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtulip8 Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 Well it turns out my parents owned an R reg Elise in BR Green with gold wheels in 1998, just before I was born! Had to get rid of it when I came along, was traded for a 1.8 Mondeo LX (T370 JUK) which my dad says was a bit of a disappointment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted August 13, 2019 Author Share Posted August 13, 2019 Yes I can imagine trading in an Elise for a Mondeo beng a bit of a disappointment!Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimST2 Posted August 21, 2019 Author Share Posted August 21, 2019 I'd always associated the Gulf Racing colours I've specced with Porsche, but there's actually quite a significant Ford heritage there too... https://gulfoil.co.uk/lubricants/about/our-heritage/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Ford UK Shop
Sponsored Ad
Name: eBay
Ford Model: FordUK Shop
Ford Year: 2024
Latest Deals
Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessoriesDisclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.