During the winter of 1966, Lotus debuted the type 46 Lotus Europa. A relatively attractive car, it was quickly on pace in the Lotus tradition of added lightness and nimble handling. Unfortunately, the 1470cc Renault 16 motor that powered it was, um, a bit anemic. But, at about 1380 lbs the type 46 put it to good use - especially with it's pioneering mid-engine layout. Yes, the Europa was only the second mass produced mid-engined sports car (after the Matra d'Jet)... before Ferrari and Lamborghini caught on.And, as Colin Chapman knew that on-track success yielded sales results the 46 would be quickly pressed to earn its keep. But not with a measly 82hp!
Enter the Type 47GT.
While numerically after the type 46, the 47s started hitting the track before the 46s hit the show room. While visually similar and dimensionally identical the 47 had significant changes under the skin to make it an effective track weapon. Out with the Renault and in with a 165hp Cosworth modified motor mated to a Hewland FT 200 gearbox. The rear suspension was also radically redefined to accept the magnesium rear uprights and radius arms from Lotus' then current formula cars.
The 47 was immediately successful and took first & second places in their debut race, the BOAC 500.
Today, perhaps due to the low build number, there are few being run in vintage racing.
Which brings us to today's subject, type 47GT-74.
I have been following this car on and off for the past 6 years as it was owned by Ed Mettleman and stationed in nearby CT at Lee Chapman Racing. It never seemed to get the attention that it deserved and seemed to have a number of DNFs due to mechanical woes. This always confused me as all of the components are fairly well understood. In period the Tecalemit-Jackson fuel injection had a nasty habit of burning the cars to the ground - but these were routinely replaced with Webers.
Well, the car has been sold, to whom and for how much - I don't know. But I do know that it is now a stablemate at GMT Racing in Danbury CT. I spoke with JR at GMT yesterday and he informed me that the new owner already has 4 events completed in the car - but reports that he is very unhappy with the handling of the car. I would be interested in knowing more about this particular malady - but looking at the other cars that GMT runs might be a good indication that their set up is off based on their baseline experience.
Unfortunately the car will not run at the vintage races this fall at Lime Rock. But, I hope to see it again in person soon and would very much like to document more of the car's history.
UPDATE 08/15/08: apparently Simon Wilson-Taylor is the current custodian of this vehicle. Good luck Simon - I'd like to think that you'll ring me when you are done with it.
5 comments:
Yes, I am indeed the custodian of 47-GT-74. We (that is GMT Racing) are continuing to sort the car out, but the car was unfortunately not as well prepped as we had thought when I bought it from Ed. The biggest problem is that the car had been lowered way too much (for show, not speed) and the suspension geometry is way off. Also, some "irregular" parts were used - notably in the steering rack area, which contributed to really bad handling under braking, and bad bump-steer. Very scary....
We had some good success at Thunderbolt recently, with a 3rd overall and first in class, but we were still running with shocks at the front that were too short and fighting understeer (which led to instant oversteer if I tried to aggressively rotate the car).
This car has never had tremendous success, going way back to 1968 when Andre Prefontaine was the first owner. Frankly I just don't think the car has ever had the right combination of driver and support/set-up skills. The good news is that the car has been lightly raced, so is in good general shape for me to race it more aggressively now. The other good news is that Dean Hutchinson (of GMT) used to support two 47s for Simon Hadfield in the UK, and knows these cars intimately, and how to get the best out of them. We should get the handling sorted over the winter, so watch out for some better results next year!
Regards
Simon Wilson-Taylor
PS...you're gonna have to wait a long time for that call btw...I expect to be racing this car for many years...
Simon -
Thank you for the kind reply and updated information. I hope that you are able to address the suspension and steering issues and that we'll see you back in action next year.
We are skipping LRP this year but heading to Watkins Glen for US Vintage Grand Prix. Unfortunately, we won't be taking the F-5000, although the reunion is being hosted there this year.
Good luck - and, if possible, I'd love some detail shots of the roll bar mounts and rear suspension... if you happen to have any.
I can be reached any time at:
mgoldleaf@secondthought.com
As you may have noticed 47-GT-74 has not been raced much in the past 2 years...largely a function of the economy. It did run at Thunderbolt last year and had two first in class, and an outright third.
Currently planning to run it next at the Zippo at the Glen in September 2010. Stop by the GMT Racing car/hospitality paddock if you are around. The 47 will have a new, and legal, engine fitted by then and should be in near optimal condition.
All the best
Simon
Hi Simon, I once owned GT 74. Sold off some of it's spares years ago including a full set of original Magnesium wheels with race tires. Last week I stumbled across the spare block from GT74. I believe it's the original block off the car. I also have some of the paperwork for the car. I'm in no need of these and perhaps you may like to purchase them. Nice to see them go to the current custodian as opposed to some mutant. Chip
Chip...if you read this please contact me at simon@wilson-taylor.net I would be interested in hearing about anything you have relating to the car.
Simon
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