Lotus 18 Formula Jr in the Museum
The Museum's Lotus 18 was purchased in 1999 from Marc F. Evans of Stratford, CT, a well-known racer of 18s, buyer and seller of 18s, and 18 parts supplier. This car, chassis No. 101, had been modified for SCCA racing with a reinforced roll bar among other changes. Marc also obtained some documentation as to the car's history and provenance, a summary of which follows.
The car was originally purchased by Formula I driver Ricardo Rodriguez, taking delivery in late 1959 or early in 1960. Rodriguez was killed in practice for the 1962 Mexican Grand Prix. The car had not been removed from the box it came in.
Mike Clark from the Los Angeles area bought the car from Rodriguez' estate in 1962. The car participated in about 60 races during the next 8 years. Howard Gething of Glendale, CA bought the car in October 1970. After racing for a year, Gething sold the car to Clarence Straitiff in October, 1971. From that point in time on, there is no further information on the car. The pictures (not originals) below show Mike Clark (car #93 at Laguna Seca) and 2 photos of Howard Gething with the car.
In 1999 Marc Evans was in possession of the car and sold it to the Museum. Before delivery, the Formula Jr. was restored back to orginal condition by Marc Evans' staff. This took the greater part of a year. Below are some pictures of the car at various stages of restoration.
