Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

alan wrote:Hi Doug,
you're right and it was 1968 for the Howmet. In 1967 i was still a Mod with my Lambretta SX200 and still trying not to fall off the dam thing when taking corners too fast
AlanB

Alan,

I see you live in France already, you must be attending the CLM this year (on your Lambretta) aren't you ???

Doug.

Hi Stuart,
Great film, thanks for sharing.
The Snorkel Europa - ex Jackie Oliver's belongs to Pat Thomas who is selling it (175 grand..worth every penny )
I've added a photo..sorry i'm in it too !!

Gino Milano
Italy

There is one other type 47 in Australia I am aware off and I have always presumed its the Rex's old car but I dont know. I have never seen it at any historic races or Lotus club events though or had a close look at it.

cheers
Rohan

This topic has brought back memories of the 1968 BOAC 500 as it was the first race I attended. I remember reading about the Howmet TX turbine car and begged my father to take my friend and I to watch the race. My father didn't understand the importance of not missing the start and we arrived about 5 laps after the Howmet had buried itself in the bank at Druids Hairpin!
I did, however pick up a piece of the perspex headlamp cover, which I still have today.
Watching that race proved to be the catalyst that sent me on the path to being a regular spectator at Brands Hatch, becoming a marshal and finally competing.
It also sparked my love of sportscar racing rather than F1 and for sheer spectacle the cars of the late 60's, early 70's take some beating.
I'm going to have to dig out my old copies of Motorsport from the loft now!!

Rong

I saw elans at 2m45s, 7m 11s & 9m 15s
A 47 at 5m20s & spinning 8m 30s!!

My god those pit stops are dangerous!

I was told off last race for not having my visor down while refuelling, these guys had no safety precautions...

I guess probably a good few of us have Brands Hatch memories - I was often at Druids bend - used to cycle there - have a great memory of Jim Clark and Graham Hill in Lotus Cortinas there - Graham was pretty good, but Jim was phenominal - if you watched a particular spot - say on the entry to the turn, that tyre would be on exactly that point on every lap. And he used to go round the main part of the turn with the front inside wheel on top of the curb!!! Every time. Once walking through the paddock Graham spoke to us, he was sitting on a sort of gate at the time. I also have a very vague memory of Brands when it was still a dirt track - as a very young lad.
Gordon