Former F1 champ Emerson Fittipaldi’s racing Lotus is selling for just £65,000.
It was one of the first cars driven by a legendary motorsport ace.
The Lotus 59 was driven by Fittipaldi to victory in the 1969 F3 world championship.
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Despite a poor start, the Brazilian, now 78, dominated the 1969 championship with nine wins.
That propelled him to a Lotus F2 drive in 1970 and then Formula 1 by the end of the same year.
He would go on to become a double F1 World Champion, IndyCar Champion and Indy 500 winner earning his place in the Motorsport Hall of Fame as one of the sport’s true greats.
The Lotus 59 was raced in 1970 and was driven by Emerson’s brother Wilson at various races including Monaco as reported by Luxury Auto News.
Its listing states: “In 1971 the car underwent an entirely new change of scene when it was bought by Lotus veteran, Pete Lovely, shipped to Washington, USA and converted to Type 69 bodywork complete with wings.
“Washington was where the car remained until 2012 when after Lovely’s passing, it was returned to the UK by John Counsel.
“Aware of the car’s history, Counsel had one aim – to restore the car to its original condition.
“For this, he contracted marque specialist, Peter Denty, to fully restore the car to its 1969 specification, regardless of cost.
“Powered by the correct 1,000cc Ford Holbay engine, Hewland Mk8 transmission and with the correct 1969 livery, the car presents as well now as it did when the restoration was completed.
“The original screen has been changed for a shorter version to better suit a taller driver, but a brand new, period-correct item is included.
“It’s supplied with HSCC and FIA papers valid until 2028, in-date belts and extinguisher.
“The Lotus 59 was one of Lotus’ greatest designs, spawning race-winning entries in Formula Ford, Formula B, Formula 3, and Formula 2 — such was the flexibility of the design by Dave Baldwin who later worked with Ensign and Van Diemen.
“It was built around a space frame made of square and round steel tubing covered in a fibreglass bodywork and featured conventional suspension design and outboard brakes both front and rear.
“Hubs and wheels were knock-on type and the gearbox was a traditional Hewland.”
The car is for sale with Iconic Auctions, in Leamington Spa, Warwicks, with a guide price of £65,000 to £70,000.
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