Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php on line 996

Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php on line 996

Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php on line 1569

Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php on line 2308

Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php on line 3171

Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php on line 3177

Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php on line 3312

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WPtouchProFour::$settings_object is deprecated in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/wptouch/core/class-wptouch-pro.php on line 82

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php:996) in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1831

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php:996) in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1831

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php:996) in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1831

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php:996) in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1831

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php:996) in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1831

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php:996) in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1831

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php:996) in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1831

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/class-updraftplus.php:996) in /homepages/13/d581221706/htdocs/Lotus/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1831
{"id":3214,"date":"2020-05-19T08:27:22","date_gmt":"2020-05-19T08:27:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/?page_id=3214"},"modified":"2022-06-24T08:19:16","modified_gmt":"2022-06-24T08:19:16","slug":"the-lotus-type-47-62-group-dynamics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/?page_id=3214","title":{"rendered":"The Lotus Type 47& 62: Group Dynamics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

The types 47 and 62 are worthy of study.<\/p>\n

Neither massive competition successes but none the less important in Lotus development and in the commercially dimension of product development.<\/p>\n

The editors identify a link of commonality between these cars and we highlight it below.<\/p>\n

This article combines both the types 47 & 62 but we have a dedicated piece on the 62 with greater illustrations.<\/p>\n

Type 47 and 62 from the net etc.:-<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cLotus Type 47<\/p>\n

Although the original Europa was intended as a clubman’s sports racer to replace the Lotus 7, it was realised that the car would be uncompetitive with the Renault engines available. A decision was therefore made for Lotus Components to manufacture a specialist race car based on the Europa to be raced by Team Lotus and sold to private entrants. Although the very first Type 47 was based on a modified Europa, all subsequent cars were produced entirely by Lotus Components rather than the main factory. Launched at the same time as the S1 Europa, the body of the 47 was thinner than the standard Europa and with larger wheel arches. Side vents into the engine bay were added after the 1st few cars experienced problems with engine bay temperature.<\/p>\n

The engine, gearbox and rear suspension were completely different from the standard Europa and were taken in their entirety from the Lotus 23\/Lotus 22 Formula Junior with a Lotus-Ford Twin Cam<\/a> based 165\u00a0hp (123\u00a0kW) 1,594\u00a0cc Cosworth<\/a> Mk.XIII dry sump engine, and a Hewland<\/a> FT 200 5-speed gearbox and suspension with reversed bottom wishbone, top link and dual radius arms. The front upright was specially cast in common with the F2 version of Lotus 41X to accommodate a larger Girling brake for the later 47A model (which had the Alfa Romeo tail lamp shared with the Europa S2) with reinforced front frame.<\/p>\n

The Type 47 exact production numbers are unknown, the last car was 47GT-85 but it is unlikely 85 47GT’s were produced, estimates vary from 55 to 68 during the years 1966-70. Although the 47GT is the best known, a few 47F’s were produced, these had the detachable body similar to the S2 Europa, but retaining the large wheel arches and side vents of the 47GT. Fitted with a tuned Ford cross flow engine but with the Renault gearbox and rear suspension of the Europa. The number produced is unknown but probably no more than 6.<\/p>\n

As a mobile test bed for the new 2 litre Lotus 907<\/a> engine being developed for the forthcoming Elite and Eclat, the Type 62 was produced. Only two such cars were ever made. These were space frame cars with F1 suspension to handle the 240\u00a0hp from the engine. Although deliberately made to resemble the Europa, in practice the only connection to the Europa was a few of the Europa’s body panels. It did win its first event the 1969 BOAC 500 at Brands Hatch with John Miles and Brian Muir at the wheel. Replica 47’s and 62’s are bespoke-manufactured by Banks Europa Engineering<\/a>, in several variations. A one-off 47, fitted with a Rover V8 engine<\/a> (3.5 litre enlarged out to 4.4 litre), was built for GKN<\/a> in 1968 and registered, GKN 47D, with 300\u00a0hp it was capable of 180\u00a0mph (290\u00a0km\/h).\u201d<\/p>\n

Interpretation: The Groups and Classes with the Competition and technical specification from Twite<\/strong><\/p>\n

Twite writing in 1971 [The Worlds Racing Cars] gives a potted history of the definition of the Groups. This is not easy because the regulations are confusing and changed so frequently.<\/p>\n

Both the Types 47 and 62 are listed in the respective groups for his 1971 edition. Rather than attempt to unravel the complexity the authors thought there was some merit in listing the cars competing. This will perhaps better illustrate the competition that Lotus faced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Group 4<\/td>\n<\/td>\ncc<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alfa Romeo<\/td>\nT33\/2<\/td>\n1994<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chevron BMW<\/td>\nB8<\/td>\n1990<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ferrari<\/td>\n250 LM<\/td>\n3286<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ferrari<\/td>\nDino 206 S<\/td>\n1987<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fiat-Abarth<\/td>\n1000 SP<\/td>\n982<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fiat-Abarth<\/td>\n1300 OT<\/td>\n1290<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fiat-Abarth<\/td>\n2000 S<\/td>\n1946<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ford<\/td>\nGT 40<\/td>\n4942<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lola<\/td>\nType 70 Mk.3B<\/td>\n4990<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lotus<\/strong><\/td>\nType 47<\/strong><\/td>\n1594<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Porsche<\/td>\n906 &910<\/td>\n1991<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Porsche<\/td>\n917<\/td>\n4494<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Group 6<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abarth<\/td>\n3000<\/td>\n2968<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alfa Romeo<\/td>\nT33\/3<\/td>\n2993<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alpine-Renault<\/td>\nA220<\/td>\n2986<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Astra RNR<\/td>\n1A<\/td>\n1594<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chevron<\/td>\nB16<\/td>\n1594<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ferrari<\/td>\n312 P<\/td>\n2990<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ford F3L<\/td>\nP68 & P69<\/td>\n2995<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ginetta<\/td>\nG16A<\/td>\n1998<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lotus<\/strong><\/td>\nType 62<\/strong><\/td>\n1992<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Matra<\/td>\n630\/640\/650<\/td>\n2993<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mirage<\/td>\nM2\/300 &M3<\/td>\n2999<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nomad-BRM<\/td>\nMk.2<\/td>\n1998<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Porsche<\/td>\n908<\/td>\n2195<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Porsche<\/td>\n908 Spyder<\/td>\n2997<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

1963 Alpine M63<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Specification<\/td>\nAlpine sports Racing Prototype<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine \/Cyli<\/td>\nRenault 4 cylinder, water cooled<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bore \/Stroke<\/td>\n71.5 x 62 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CC<\/td>\n996 cc<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Valve Gear<\/td>\n2x ohc<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Comp Ratio<\/td>\nn\/a<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Carburettors<\/td>\n2 x Weber<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Max.Power<\/td>\n100 bhp at 7,800 rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trans\/Gears<\/td>\n5-speed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Front Brakes<\/td>\nGirling Disc<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rear Brakes<\/td>\nGirling Disc<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Steering<\/td>\nRack and pinion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Front Susp’<\/td>\nwishbone and coilsprungs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rear Susp’<\/td>\nwishbone and coilsprungs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chassis<\/td>\nmulti-tubular<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wheel base<\/td>\n7ft-8in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Front Track<\/td>\n4ft-3.25in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rear Track<\/td>\n4ft-3in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
O’length<\/td>\n13ft-5in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
O’width.body<\/td>\n4ft-10in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kerb weight<\/td>\n1,350 lb<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Front Tyres<\/td>\n5.00 x 13in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rear Tyres<\/td>\n5.50 x 13in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The Lotus 47: Context and Lotus evolution\/development; Lotus Development Time Line<\/strong><\/p>\n

The types 47 &62 have an interesting connectivity going back through the Europa.<\/p>\n

In our dedicated articles relating to Europa and The GKN 47 D Rover V8 we record that as early as 1963 Chapman was considering a family\/range of cars that could have been tightly structured offering economy of manufacturing.<\/p>\n

Ron Hickman and John Frayling contributed significantly to these.<\/p>\n

We suggest that the types 47 &62 be explored partly in this context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Year<\/td>\nType No<\/td>\nFunction<\/td>\nName<\/td>\nEngine<\/td>\nDesigners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1957-63<\/td>\n14<\/td>\nProd \u2018sports car<\/td>\nElite<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1962-66<\/td>\n26<\/td>\n<\/td>\nElan [S1]<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1963<\/td>\n29<\/td>\nIndianapolis<\/td>\n<\/td>\nFord V8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1964<\/td>\n30<\/td>\nSports racing<\/td>\n<\/td>\nFord V8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1964<\/td>\n34<\/td>\nIndianapolis<\/td>\n<\/td>\nFord V8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1965<\/td>\n36<\/td>\nProd \u2018sports car<\/td>\nElan [S2]<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1965<\/td>\n38<\/td>\nIndianapolis<\/td>\n<\/td>\nFord V8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1965<\/td>\n40<\/td>\nSports racing<\/td>\n<\/td>\nFord V8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1966<\/td>\n42<\/td>\nIndianapolis<\/td>\n<\/td>\nFord V8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1966-68<\/td>\n46<\/td>\nProd \u2018sports car<\/td>\nEuropa [S1]<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1966<\/td>\n47<\/td>\nSports racing<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
c1966<\/td>\n<\/td>\nOne off<\/td>\nEuropa [S1] base<\/td>\nRover V8<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1969<\/td>\n62<\/strong><\/td>\nSports racing prototype<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"1967<\/p>\n

Figure 1.Track Test from A&R<\/p>\n

Form and function<\/strong><\/p>\n

The type 47 brew out of the Europa which itself had an essentially race bred layout.<\/p>\n

The 47 was adapted for racing as per usual weight saving was a major consideration.<\/p>\n

The snorkel feeding the induction were a distinctive feature, rather prominent above the engine deck but also in line with F1 practice. [Rather different to that of the Lotus Mk.III.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Figure 2.Editors sketch of the Lotus 47 with “snorkel”<\/p>\n

The Lotus 47 states Crombac:-<\/p>\n

\u201cAs was usually the case with new Lotus models, a racing programme for the Europa was set in motion with a special batch of cars built by Lotus Components, all equipped with twin cam engines. This \u201cracing\u201d Europa \u2013the Lotus 47 made its debut at the 1966 Brands Hatch Boxing Day meeting when in the hands of John Miles\u2026\u2026\u2026.it won the prototype class in a race for sports cars \u201c<\/p>\n

Harvey echoes these sentiments:-<\/p>\n

\u201cat the same time, a competition version was built to publize the Europa and provide some competition for the mid-engine Ginetta which was starting to take over the Elan\u2019s class in GT racing; and at the same time, giving Lotus Components something to sell in place of the out moded 26R.this was the type 47 which was first raced on Boxing Day 1966.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harvey<\/p>\n

Provides an excellent technical description of the 47.<\/p>\n

This includes:-<\/p>\n