New<\/strong>sletter – Number 32<\/strong><\/p>\n All previous articles relating to these are held on the website.<\/strong><\/p>\n 1.Lotus around and about<\/strong><\/p>\n 2 Museums around the world you may not have heard of:The Juan Manuel Fangio Car Racing Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n The Juan Manuel Fangio Car Racing Museum pays tribute to the quintuple Formula One World Champion and summarizes the history of car racing in a dynamic display of over 50 cars<\/p>\n The Juan Manuel Fangio Museum is one of those museums one should not miss, as it shows car racing not only as a sports discipline but also as an Argentinian passion. In an amusing and documented way, the life of Juan Manuel Fangio, alias \u201cthe bowlegged man\u201d, the most famous son of Balcarce, is told in chronological order since his childhood, through the history of the first repair shop he opened with his friend Jos\u00e9 Duffard, his beginnings as a pilot in 1936, the championships he won in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957 and his memorable races until he retired.<\/p>\n The first great impact when one enters the museum is generated by a giant cup located in the entrance hall. It is a gift the Rosario’s Argentinian Association of Driving Wheels gave to Fangio when he returned to the country after becoming World Champion for the fourth time. The impressive award is as high and as heavy as Fangio was in those days. Likewise, the five prizes corresponding to the world championships he won are displayed in this sector, as well as some objects such as boots, gloves and goggles worn by the pilot during the competitions<\/p>\n The tour starts going up the ramps that emulate the race track. The museum, which occupies a total surface of 4,600 square meters, is divided into six levels: \u201cMen and machines, the passion for road racing\u201d, where road racing cars from those days are displayed; \u201cThe old repair shop\u201d; \u201cCourage, perseverance and driving talent\u201d, which recalls the period 1936\/1948 including the Northern Great International Prize; \u201cFriend, idol and master of us all\u201d, which contains cars and historical facts about great car racing pilots; in \u201cNew champions\u201d, the cars presently used in road racing are shown; and, last but not least, \u201cMaximum speed to the world summit\u201d summarizes the period between 1951 and 1958 and displays the legendary Silver Arrow, a W 196 Mercedes Benz with an engine of 8 cilinders arranged side by side which, due to its stylized design, catches everyone’s attention.<\/p>\n In addition to the cars, each level shows trophies, badges and documents related to each period.<\/p>\n 3. Question (can you help?)\u2026This time a request<\/strong><\/p>\n We frequently get asked from around the world quite amazing questions , so far we have used a limited group to try and answer them, not always successfully. So we now put them on our website and see if any \u201cfriends\u201d know the answer.<\/p>\n Still many unanswered questions on our website can you help?<\/strong><\/p>\n The following are recent answers to various questions<\/p>\n Hi, my father has a signed menu from 1970 at the Savoy, signed by Colin Chapman, Graham Hill, Sterling Moss and Innes Ireland, which he now wishes to sell. Could you let me know if you would be interested or if you know of anyone who would be interested, thanks.<\/em> Please let me know if you are interested and I will forward your details to the owner.<\/p>\n Yes I am, please send them my contact details<\/strong> I wonder if you could help me, I have a built up vehicle listed on the original logbook as an Austin Scorpion sports tourer, a petrol engined 747cc 2 seater sports car, chassis, frame or car number being SYCC 113\/3144009 and an engine number of M119 167, date of 1st registration 1962. <\/em> This does not have the appearance of any Lotus cars of the era for example, it is not very aerodynamic behind the front wheels. By 1962, Lotus were making their own cars, so it is very doubtful that Colin Chapman woudl have been involved.<\/strong><\/p>\n What does Lotus stand for?<\/em> <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Only Hazel Chapman and possibly Clive know the real answer. One other often used explanation is that before building his own cars, Colin used to fix up old cars and on sell them. He bought cars that had failed to sell at auctions. The cars had Lot numbers on them with the number crossed out and u\/s added to designate unsold. So he was buying a Lot u\/s.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n S1 Elite paint colour<\/em><\/p>\n Can you send me a jpeg, I can send to a friend who will know the colours for sure.<\/strong><\/em> i have an old car that i believe is some sort of lotus but i don’t know how to find out can you steer me in some direction , have sent some pics<\/p>\n Seems to be an old Six\/Seven inspired design. and if LHD even more unlikley.<\/strong><\/p>\n Many thanks to Guy Stevens for his help.<\/strong><\/p>\n 4. Crystal Palace Report.<\/strong><\/p>\n REPORT OF THE CCM&EC STAND AT CRYSTAL PALACE \u2013SPRINT REVIVAL MAY 2011<\/strong> The weather was bright and sunny with a cooling breeze on both days. This possibly contributed to high attendance, the relaxed family atmosphere and the ability to picnic. The bright light helps photography and provided surface for maximum traction and visibility. The competition was high quality and entertaining.<\/p>\n Variety<\/strong><\/p>\n Ample variety was present through car clubs, cars competing and their classes. The North Kent Lotus club adjacent to A&R had a nice selection of cars on both days. The Brooklands Motor Cycle collection was dramatic with working displays and hit the spot with full on sensory appeal with the aroma of Castrol R drifting in the air.<\/p>\n The A&R Stand Theme<\/strong><\/p>\n Adopted the theme of \u201cLotus at Crystal Place\u201d and demonstrated this with a scale model of the track supported with photo archive and past programmes. Many of the public were not aware of Lotus history in north London and the proximity of Crystal Palace. Thanks To<\/strong><\/p>\n Atmosphere<\/strong><\/p>\n The atmosphere was rather special. This I believe is attributed to the wide mix of the public attending, the freedom of movement, the family friendly availability and space between displays. Many disabled people were able to attend including wheel chair users. The event is very affordable and provides excellent value for money and is easily reached by public transport. Many of the cars both competing and on display including the A&R stand had bonnets up and further technical photography was possible e.g. Dry sump on John Lovell\u2019s Seven S3.<\/p>\n Well Laid Out<\/strong><\/p>\n Congratulations to Sevenoaks club. The event was clearly marked out and adequate space was available and logistics were easy allowing quick assembly of stands etc. The format built anticipation. The bowl of the paddock is tree lined and the relaxed mingling atmosphere echoed a lost age of the best of British motor sport. International Visitors<\/strong><\/p>\n A number of European visitors were interested in our proposals. We were able to increase the impact of their holiday and through the planning application [now expired] show them where the Hornsey works were located.<\/p>\n Handouts<\/strong><\/p>\n We went with a simple hand out introducing the public to the A&R website. There were many instances where the public expected this and on other occasions a request emerged or was volunteered after a conversation. Significantly no one thought the proposal unattractive.<\/p>\n Analysis of Crystal Palace 2011 and Projections for 2012<\/strong><\/p>\n The editor has spent some time analysing and evaluating the event. Some of the criteria used are;<\/p>\n The editor\u2019s thoughts for next year include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Rehearsal, Planning and Logistics<\/strong><\/p>\n Invitation to A&R subscribers<\/strong><\/p>\n The editors welcome suggestions from subscribers and invitations to attend.<\/p>\n 5. Frank Costin<\/strong><\/p>\n Contemporaries and Peers<\/strong><\/p>\n Frank Costin [1920 -1995] and his Designs for Lotus<\/strong><\/p>\n Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n In this article we examine the work of Frank Costin and describe his work for Colin Chapman and Lotus. Frank Costin was a good applied engineer and extrapolated technologies in particular materials and aerodynamic principles from aircraft where he started his career. Its possible that some of his major designs might have been inspired by the Mosquito and Comet which was under development at the time when he worked for de Havilland.<\/p>\n He quoted<\/p>\n \u201cApplied aerodynamics is a combination of knowing physical laws, a great deal of experience and the right feel\u201d<\/p>\n Frank Albert Costin was born on the 8th June 1920 in London. He was the first of four children .He was always very close to his brother Mike. In later life both brothers would be associated with Colin Chapman. [Mike would become famous for his partnership with Kith Duckworth forming Cosworth Engineering]<\/p>\n Frank had a \u201cgift for acute observation, quick analysis and remarkable understanding\u201d<\/p>\n Like Chapman he had a streak of non-conformity whilst aspiring to academic excellence. Frank preferred applied engineering where he could engage both hands and mind and have total responsibility.<\/p>\n From our analysis it will be evident that Costin’s ideas were extremely forward thinking particularly in the area of petrol \/ fuel efficiency extracted through aerodynamic design. His concepts and principles live on and in may respects have been copied or inspirational in many modern day city car designs. Frank Costin possibly did not get all the credit he deserved. It\u2019s hoped that this article will provide a perspective.<\/p>\n This article will be used as focus for a more detailed analysis of aerodynamic principles to follow.<\/p>\n Frank Costin: CV<\/strong><\/p>\n Frank Costin was a gifted versatile engineer, thinker and industrial designer specialising in aerodynamics. He was also a cultivated man and competent musician and composer. As a young man he was a talented athlete [swimming] Like Chapman he enjoyed flying, gliding, sailing and with friends built a glider called Condor c 1949.His close friends included Ron Clear, Bert Parslow and Peter Davis. He started early working as an aircraft fitter but soon found promotion. By 1951 he was Flight Test Engineer [in charge of the Experimental Dept] at de Havilland and promoted in 1953 to Engineer in Charge [Aerodynamic Flight Test Dept; Chester]<\/p>\n His career included employment with:<\/p>\n His design work included:<\/p>\n\n
![\"Museum](\"http:\/\/colinchapmanmuseum.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Museum-Update-August-2011_clip_image002.jpg\")
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\nI look forward to your reply,<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n
\n( could the person who originally wrote to us please contact us)<\/p>\n
\nI have been informed that it could possibly be a Colin Chapman or Brabham, any information you could give me would be much appreciated. <\/em><\/p>\n
\n( could the person who originally wrote to us please contact us)<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nWeather<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIn addition we had a copy of the planning application and draft of the Museum guide book.
\nThe A&R promotes the wide raging design skills of Colin Chapman and to this end we had the components of the Ford beam axle as modified to semi independent front suspension as fixed to the Mk.VI and a model of the fibre glass utility furniture that Colin marketed as Line Lotus.
\nDue to the great generosity of Nigel and John who allowed the public to sit in their cars a considerable number of photographs were taken and many children became more interested. Parents were particularly appreciative [one mother thanked me and came back a second later in the day] and I felt we had achieved a remarkable PR exercise.
\nWe provided a mixture of entertainment and education.<\/p>\n\n
\nThe atmosphere was redolent of Crystal Palace heyday.
\nThe mixture of racing and static display works well.
\nThe editor recorded a fabulous range of cars that exceeded expectation. The highlights were:<\/p>\n\n
\nThe track and viewing area provides some drama, Spectacle and is photo friendly. Within a small space some challenges are provided and engine notes carry across the event enticing and inviting inspection and building anticipation of cars unseen but recognised from engine note.
\nThe event provides ample and generous Drama and visual Appeal and many drivers can be seen working the wheel at the prominent hair pin.<\/p>\n\n
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\nFrank Costin made a significant contribution to Lotus at a time when the application of his scientific principles allied to Chapman\u2019s chassis and suspension design helped compensate for the less powerful engines available to Lotus.<\/p>\n
\nReaders will also be aware of the significance of aerodynamics in current FI. Costin and Chapman were not the first but applied critical analysis and were committed protagonists.<\/p>\n\n
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