Jump to content


Photo

Lotus 23s raced in the Southern U.S. in the early 60s


  • Please log in to reply
73 replies to this topic

#51 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 03 February 2023 - 02:46

Corry Field, Pensacola, Florida, FIA-USRRC Drivers' Race, Sunday 26 May 1963, entries:

Augie Pabst, Milwaukee, Wis., Lotus?

Dick Macon, Fairhope, Ala., Lotus/Alfa 

G. M. O'Kieff, Houston, Texas, Lotus 23 (but in a new Lotus 27?)

Gordon Richardson, Houston, Lotus 23

Bob Markley, Hollywood, Calif., Lotus 23 (also entered Porsche RSK)

Harry Braswell, Nashville, Tenn., Lotus 23 (First appearance?)

Dick Irish, Tulsa, Okla., Lotus/Twin Cam Ford? (Also at Midland, Texas, 12 May 1963.)

Edna Sherman, Denver, Colo., Lotus/Alfa 23 

Pensacola News Journal, Sunday 26 May 1963, Page 31

 

Harry Braswell, said to be a Climax-engined car, bought on an expedition to the UK, which he had forsaken by end 1963 for an Elva Mk VII, possibly Mk VI. See Post #1. (Could this be the car that turns up with Sid Kelly?) Braswell running Class G at Hammond, La., Divisional and S.C.C.A. Gulf Coast Finale, 17 Nov 1963, Competition Press, 23 November 1963. Last appearance? Did he relocate to Atlanta?

A car in the UK that suggests itself is the yellow 1098 c.c. Lotus 23-Coventry Climax of Peter Boshier-Jones, widely seen on the hills and circuits in 1962. Does this disappear from the scene in Blighty? 

"Dick Irish has a Lotus 23 and the Monoplane and Elite are for sale."—(23B-S-56)

Competition Press, 12 January 1963, Page 6.

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 11 February 2023 - 05:28.


Advertisement

#52 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 03 February 2023 - 11:16

Palm Beach International Raceway, 17 Oct 1965

Heftler drove an Elva-BMW

at a speed of 82.1 mph for the

67 miles. Jack Slottag, in a

Lotus 23, was second by a min-

ute, and John Norris, of Miami,

was third, also in a Lotus 23.   

The Miami News, Mon 18 Oct 1965, Page 22

 

Slottag first in class ahead of Norris, Hollywood, Fla., Lotus 23B, and Hugh Kleinpeter, Miami, Lotus 23B-Alfa Romeo.

 

Slottag, an Orlando advertising executive, in Lotus 23B-Cosworth Ford t/c, acquired May 1965. Car said to be new for the Savannah-Effingham races. Took delivery Saturday 1 May 1965. 2nd place to another Lotus, for Scuderia Napoli team.

#5 Bill Martin, Columbus, Georgia, also entered in Lotus 23-Ford G-Mod. Dark car, light curved triangle on nose  "purchased the Lotus, G-Modified champion of the Southeast last year from George Taylor of Orlando, Fla." Class winner.

 

Other: Jeff Stevens, Miami, Lotus-Ford.

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 03 February 2023 - 20:32.


#53 RA Historian

RA Historian
  • Member

  • 3,833 posts
  • Joined: October 06

Posted 03 February 2023 - 16:53

Corry Field, Pensacola, Florida, FIA-USRRC Drivers' Race, Sunday 26 May 1963, entries:

Augie Pabst, Milwaukee, Wis., Lotus?

 

RGDS RLT

Augie was driving the two liter Climax powered Lotus 19 of the Mecom Racing Team.



#54 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 04 February 2023 - 05:33

Rupert-

 

Thanks for that link; I had not seen that rear angle before.

 

For those who are interested, there are more photos of the Gurney 23 on the Revs site:

 

https://library.revs...bahamas 1962/1c

 

A splendid set of photographs.

Note the Lotus 23 is called the "Willard Battery Special" (a name associated with J. C. Agajanian) said to be 23-S-41. Fresh from the factory, airfreighted out from England, just in time for the race, 9 December 1962.

Do we know who the entrant was? "Gurney, incidentally, has bought his own caralso a Lotus 23which he will drive at Nassau."

1.5-litre Ford twin-cam. As previously mentioned the car has a distinctive air intake? What colour was the car?

 

See also: https://forums.autos...when-and-where/

 

RGDS RLT 


Edited by Rupertlt1, 04 February 2023 - 09:56.


#55 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 05 February 2023 - 04:26

Another Lotus 23 at Nassau was the California car of Skip Hudson, Reno, Nevada, for Frank Arciero:

 

https://library.revs...ed-weeks/219375

 

This was beefed up with a new s.o.h.c. 1.5-litre Coventry-Climax motor. Described as "in and out of the pits" — DNF.

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 05 February 2023 - 04:44.


#56 teegeefla

teegeefla
  • Member

  • 310 posts
  • Joined: April 04

Posted 06 February 2023 - 17:12

A splendid set of photographs.

Note the Lotus 23 is called the "Willard Battery Special" (a name associated with J. C. Agajanian) said to be 23-S-41. Fresh from the factory, airfreighted out from England, just in time for the race, 9 December 1962.

Do we know who the entrant was? "Gurney, incidentally, has bought his own caralso a Lotus 23which he will drive at Nassau."

1.5-litre Ford twin-cam. As previously mentioned the car has a distinctive air intake? What colour was the car?

 

See also: https://forums.autos...when-and-where/

 

RGDS RLT 

 

Rupert-

 

So 15 years or so ago I had a conversation with Dan and I asked him what color his 23 was (for a model I was building).  He told me it was a light blue that was impregnated in the fiberglass (gelcoat I assume) but further research showed that Lotus competition body colors only offered a darker Cobalt blue.  I have looked ever since to find a color photo without success. So either Dan had them do a special one-off color or there is some unknown explanation, but the photos on the Revs site definitely look to be a lighter shade.

 

I belong to the Lotus23Registry@groups.io and according to their copy of factory records the car (23-S-41) was delivered from the factory on November 29, 1962 and shipped to Nassau arriving a week later on Friday December 7, well after competition had already started.  In Art Peck's column in Competition Press dated 12-22-62, Dan's departure from England was delayed for over 60 hours due to fog and flight delays. He first was scheduled to fly BOAC out of London but that flight was repeatedly delayed so he eventually flew PanAm out of Stanstead to New York and then on to Nassau. Apparently he and his fellow travelers spent one night in the BOAC lounge and another  night sleeping on the floor of a pub...

 

 As an aside, the Registry had also led me to information that as of late 2005 the Gurney car, and a second 23, were in the possession of Lt. Colonel Barrie Grant in Medford, Oregon but my efforts to contact him at that time produced no results.

 

Finally, I had at one time an email attachment of a contact sheet that Flip Schulke sent me, but time and several computers have come and gone and I cannot find it.  My notes did indicate that it showed the car being worked on in the garage at Oakes Field.


Edited by teegeefla, 06 February 2023 - 17:15.


#57 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 07 February 2023 - 07:47

I am a bit curious about Jack Brabham having a 23, I've not heard of that before at all... at least within the remaining memory cells.

 

There is a conflict here. Jack Brabham reportedly driving a Climax-engined Lotus 23, 1500 c.c., at Mosport in the Canadian G.P., 22 September 1962, (23-S-38). This confirmed by the local press and supported by Racing Sports Cars. I know the car was there as I have a photograph on track (thought to be by John Plow). The #9 car looks bone stock.

 

Autosport says: Into fourth place came Jack Brabham in his new Holbay tuned Lotus "23."

 

Graham Capel resolves this in favour of the push rod Holbay Ford. Climax-engined car entered, Ford engine appears.

 

Incidentally: Waterford Fall Classic Races, 29-30 September 1962

"Al Pease took his Lotus 23 to Waterford Hills, Michigan the week following the GP and reversed tracks by winning the feature race. Irishman Bill Bradshaw went along too and finished behind Pease."

[Bradshaw in the white #5 Lotus 23, 23-S-9, at Mosport. Also #46 at Nassau, 12 December 1963.]

 

"Al Pease of Toronto won the

Waterford Fall Classic Sports

Car Race Sunday with a Lotus.

Bernie Keller of Mansfield, O.,

was second in an Elva-Buick

and Don Brownson of Grosse

Pointe was third in another

Lotus."

 

[Brownson almost certainly in a Lotus XI.]

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 07 February 2023 - 17:18.


#58 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 07 February 2023 - 18:20

 

A splendid set of photographs.

Note the Lotus 23 is called the "Willard Battery Special" (a name associated with J. C. Agajanian) said to be 23-S-41. Fresh from the factory, airfreighted out from England, just in time for the race, 9 December 1962.

Do we know who the entrant was? "Gurney, incidentally, has bought his own caralso a Lotus 23which he will drive at Nassau."

1.5-litre Ford twin-cam. As previously mentioned the car has a distinctive air intake? What colour was the car?

 

See also: https://forums.autos...when-and-where/

 

RGDS RLT 

 

Rupert-

 

So 15 years or so ago I had a conversation with Dan and I asked him what color his 23 was (for a model I was building).  He told me it was a light blue that was impregnated in the fiberglass (gelcoat I assume) but further research showed that Lotus competition body colors only offered a darker Cobalt blue.  I have looked ever since to find a color photo without success. So either Dan had them do a special one-off color or there is some unknown explanation, but the photos on the Revs site definitely look to be a lighter shade.

 

I belong to the Lotus23Registry@groups.io and according to their copy of factory records the car (23-S-41) was delivered from the factory on November 29, 1962 and shipped to Nassau arriving a week later on Friday December 7, well after competition had already started.  In Art Peck's column in Competition Press dated 12-22-62, Dan's departure from England was delayed for over 60 hours due to fog and flight delays. He first was scheduled to fly BOAC out of London but that flight was repeatedly delayed so he eventually flew PanAm out of Stanstead to New York and then on to Nassau. Apparently he and his fellow travelers spent one night in the BOAC lounge and another  night sleeping on the floor of a pub...

 

 As an aside, the Registry had also led me to information that as of late 2005 the Gurney car, and a second 23, were in the possession of Lt. Colonel Barrie Grant in Medford, Oregon but my efforts to contact him at that time produced no results.

 

Finally, I had at one time an email attachment of a contact sheet that Flip Schulke sent me, but time and several computers have come and gone and I cannot find it.  My notes did indicate that it showed the car being worked on in the garage at Oakes Field.

 

 

There were other light blue 23s — per Graham Capel: notably 23-S-34, Robert Huber; 23B-S-58, Betty Haig.

 

Hard to believe nobody photographed Gurney in colour at Nassau?

(Although pro photographers had a very limited market for colour shots.)

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 07 February 2023 - 18:26.


#59 teegeefla

teegeefla
  • Member

  • 310 posts
  • Joined: April 04

Posted 07 February 2023 - 23:23

There were other light blue 23s — per Graham Capel: notably 23-S-34, Robert Huber; 23B-S-58, Betty Haig.

Hard to believe nobody photographed Gurney in colour at Nassau?
(Although pro photographers had a very limited market for colour shots.)

RGDS RLT


Good to know that there was a light blue in the Lotus palette after all. Not surprising that there are few photos of the Gurney Lotus 23 as it got there late and was plagued with problems that limited its time on track. Not surprised that there are few color photos from that race; I wish I had some of Terry O'Neill's books as the glimpses I've seen have a good mix of color and b&w. I have seen one black and white photo of the LeMans start of the 1962 main event and the Gurney 23 can be seen way in the back...

Advertisement

#60 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 08 February 2023 - 05:12

Another factor against Gur-

ney is lack of practice. He had

only a 15-minute practice race

yesterday and was quite dis-

couraged with the performance

of the car, claiming he couldn't

find first gear, the back tires

were rubbing, the accessories

were flapping and the thing ran

"like a truck."

The Miami News, Sunday 9 Dec 1962, Page 30

 

The Gurney car was a very early 23B twin-cam, with a few cars emerging from the factory at the end of 1962. According to Graham Capel all types of 23 were plagued with gearshift problems. There was to be no repeat of a Jim Clark-like performance at the Nürburgring. That Gurney was discouraged is beyond doubt as he never drove 23B-S-41 again and the car disappeared.

 

We are looking for a light blue 23B in 1963? William Molle?

 

Tim Mayer at Nassau 1963 (air intake does not match):

 

https://library.revs...eed-week/294573

 

https://library.revs...ed-weeks/166564

 

The car of Chuck Parsons from 1964 is intriguing:

 

https://library.revs...rrc-kent/334557

 

https://library.revs...rrc-kent/350119

 

Who are these?

 

#45: https://library.revs...and-prix/384946

 

#136: https://library.revs...una-seca/397598

 

Update: #136 car is Bob Keyes, San Carlos, California, Lotus 23B, 1500 c.c.

Having an off here in 1964:

https://library.revs...una-seca/393399

Is this the ex-Gurney car?

"San Carlos' Bob Keyes has

sold his Lotus 23 to Dr. Bond

of Stanford. Jim Marshall of

Marin will do the wheeling."

The Peninsula Times Tribune, Friday 29 Jan 1965, Page 27

 

See also: https://forums.autos...s-23b-lotus-27/

 

Raced as Ed Marshall, of Kentfield, Marin County, California:

https://www.racingsp...rshall-USA.html

#99 at Kirker Creek:

https://library.revs...er-creek/412496

 

https://library.revs...er-creek/415378

 

Where was this car in 1963? Could it be the car of Bob Markley?

 

"Added to the list of growing en-

tries is the name of 24-year-old

Bob Markley, popular young re-

cording star and executive of

Los Angeles, Calif."

Is this really the same guy?

 

See: https://forums.autos...ent-at-augusta/

 

Also #43 [at Laguna Seca, 20 Oct 1963?]: https://www.pinteres...48879812890227/

 

Californian Wins S.W. Divisional

By Bob Hugill

MIDLAND, Tex. — Hollywood's

Bob Markley, who stables his rac-

ing cars in Midland at the Chapar-

ral shops, averaged 75.4 mph for

35 laps in his Lotus 23 to win the

feature race of the Southwest Div-

isional Championship races held

at Midland Airpark by the West

Texas SCCA region.

Markley zoomed through the

pack after starting from the back

of the grid to take the lead on the

21st lap, overcoming favored

Homer Rader of Dallas and his

Lotus 27 Formula Jr.

A crowd estimated at more than

4000 fans watched Markley speed

around the tricky circuit to grab

the Geisler Memorial Trophy, last

won in 1960 by Jim Hall in a Mas-

erati. Markley had the fastest lap

of the afternoon in posting the win,

hitting an average speed of 78.84

mph for the 1.8-mile course.

Competition Press, 12 October 1963, Page 12

 

When was this meeting held?

 

Could Markley's Lotus 23B have been painted white in Chaparral house colours? 

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 10 February 2023 - 18:25.


#61 lcbulldog

lcbulldog
  • Member

  • 55 posts
  • Joined: April 10

Posted 09 February 2023 - 16:57

Another factor against Gur-

ney is lack of practice. He had

only a 15-minute practice race

yesterday and was quite dis-

couraged with the performance

of the car, claiming he couldn't

find first gear, the back tires

were rubbing, the accessories

were flapping and the thing ran

"like a truck."

The Miami News, Sunday 9 Dec 1962, Page 30

 

The Gurney car was a very early 23B twin-cam, with a few cars emerging from the factory at the end of 1962. According to Graham Capel all types of 23 were plagued with gearshift problems. There was to be no repeat of a Jim Clark-like performance at the Nürburgring. That Gurney was discouraged is beyond doubt as he never drove 23B-S-41 again and the car disappeared.

 

We are looking for a light blue 23B in 1963? William Molle?

 

Tim Mayer at Nassau 1963 (air intake does not match):

 

https://library.revs...eed-week/294573

 

https://library.revs...ed-weeks/166564

 

The car of Chuck Parsons from 1964 is intriguing:

 

https://library.revs...rrc-kent/334557

 

https://library.revs...rrc-kent/350119

 

Who are these?

 

#45: https://library.revs...and-prix/384946

 

#136: https://library.revs...una-seca/397598

 

Update: #136 car is Bob Keyes, San Carlos, California, Lotus 23B, 1500 c.c.

Having an off here in 1964:

https://library.revs...una-seca/393399

Is this the ex-Gurney car?

"San Carlos' Bob Keyes has

sold his Lotus 23 to Dr. Bond

of Stanford. Jim Marshall of

Marin will do the wheeling."

The Peninsula Times Tribune, Friday 29 Jan 1965, Page 27

 

See also: https://forums.autos...s-23b-lotus-27/

 

Raced as Ed Marshall, of Kentfield, Marin County, California:

https://www.racingsp...rshall-USA.html

#99 at Kirker Creek:

https://library.revs...er-creek/412496

 

https://library.revs...er-creek/415378

 

Where was this car in 1963? Could it be the car of Bob Markley?

 

"Added to the list of growing en-

tries is the name of 24-year-old

Bob Markley, popular young re-

cording star and executive of

Los Angeles, Calif."

Is this really the same guy?

 

See: https://forums.autos...ent-at-augusta/

 

Also #43 [at Laguna Seca, 20 Oct 1963?]: https://www.pinteres...48879812890227/

 

Californian Wins S.W. Divisional

By Bob Hugill

MIDLAND, Tex. — Hollywood's

Bob Markley, who stables his rac-

ing cars in Midland at the Chapar-

ral shops, averaged 75.4 mph for

35 laps in his Lotus 23 to win the

feature race of the Southwest Div-

isional Championship races held

at Midland Airpark by the West

Texas SCCA region.

Markley zoomed through the

pack after starting from the back

of the grid to take the lead on the

21st lap, overcoming favored

Homer Rader of Dallas and his

Lotus 27 Formula Jr.

A crowd estimated at more than

4000 fans watched Markley speed

around the tricky circuit to grab

the Geisler Memorial Trophy, last

won in 1960 by Jim Hall in a Mas-

erati. Markley had the fastest lap

of the afternoon in posting the win,

hitting an averrage speed of 78.84

mph for the 1.8-mile course.

Competition Press, 12 October 1963, Page 12

 

When was this meeting held?

 

Could Markley's Lotus 23B have been painted white in Chaparral house colours? 

 

RGDS RLT

Dad and I were members of the flagging crew working corners at the October, 1963 SW Divisional at Midland Airpark; the race won by Bob Markley in his Lotus 23.  I have a photo of Markley on his victory lap and the car looks white to me.

 

Mark



#62 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 09 February 2023 - 19:18

Dad and I were members of the flagging crew working corners at the October, 1963 SW Divisional at Midland Airpark; the race won by Bob Markley in his Lotus 23.  I have a photo of Markley on his victory lap and the car looks white to me.

 

Mark

 

Many thanks. Do you have a car number?

 

"The Lotus 23B is Lotus latest

sports machine, an out-growth

of the Mark 23. In the new ver-

sion a larger engine is used—

a 1,500-cc Ford—for faster re-

sults. Markley won the recent

race at Midland, barely beating

Radar." (sic)

Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Friday 4 Oct 1963, Page 25

 

Markley, Lotus 23B, ran at Green Valley Raceway, near Fort Worth, Texas, 5-6 October 1963. 

 

This all points to the Midland event being in September?

Update: This event held 21-22 September 1963, S.C.C.A. Divisionals, Final race 35 laps.

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Thursday 19 Sep 1963, Page 88 

 

#96 F-Mod Lotus 23 of Bob Markley, at Nassau, 12 December 1963:

 

https://library.revs...eed-week/301473

 

https://library.revs...eed-week/313105

 

Note the car is not painted white and has distinctive holes in the rear deck.

Plainly not the white car Markley raced through the 1963 season. Is this the Arciero Brothers car? 

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 10 February 2023 - 18:16.


#63 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 11 February 2023 - 05:45

Little remarked in this thread so far is the red Lotus 23B-S-77 of Don Horn, ex-factory 12 March 1963. Fitted with a 1600 twin-cam Ford engine the car was soon pressed into service in the south. Horn was based in Memphis, Tennessee, where he ran an aircraft parts business.

First event was the Grand Prairie Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Arkansas on 21st April. The 15-lap feature was a dogfight between Enus Wilson in his purple Maserati, and Horn in his new Lotus, after Harry Washburn, Cooper-Climax, fell out on Lap 2. Wilson from Okmulgee, Oklahoma, took the honours, after Horn spun near the end. Don Horn was F-mod winner, followed by Dick Irish of Tulsa, Oklahoma (presumably in 23B-S-56). Bob Markley, Midland, Texas, took E-Mod, again presumably in his Porsche.

To Courtland, Alabama, for the ninth annual Confederate Grand Prix, where Jim Baker, Sheffield, Alabama, drove his Lotus 23 to two heat wins on Saturday 6 July (Events 2, 5). Frank Harris, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lotus 23, prevailed in Event 3. Don Horn wound up the day winning the Sixth Race. The main event on Sunday was the 100-mile trohy race at 3:30, named for Stirling Moss who was in attendance: 1st O/A Jim Watson, Porsche RS; 2nd Harry Braswell, G-Mod Lotus 23; Don Horn DNF.

Later in the month to Halls, Tennessee, for the Mid-South Region S.C.C.A. Grand Prix on 20-21 July, on an old air base. Don Horn won the third race and Class F Modified on the Saturday. Horn also captured the feature on the Sunday, ahead of Don Johnson, Decatur, Illinois, Ferrari.

Back to Courtland for S.C.C.A. Divisionals on 18 August 1963: Don Horn "ran away from the field in the 15 lap 50 mile feature race Sunday." Followed by Jim Watson, Porsche RS; Jim Baker finishing third in his Lotus 23. Also entered: Frank Harrison, F-Mod Lotus 23; Harry Braswell, G-Mod Lotus 23.

Horn was entered in the Nassau Trophy Race, Bahamas, 8 December 1963, but there is no evidence that he showed up — he raced on with the Lotus into 1964.

 

RGDS RLT



#64 lcbulldog

lcbulldog
  • Member

  • 55 posts
  • Joined: April 10

Posted 11 February 2023 - 15:21

Many thanks. Do you have a car number?

 

"The Lotus 23B is Lotus latest

sports machine, an out-growth

of the Mark 23. In the new ver-

sion a larger engine is used—

a 1,500-cc Ford—for faster re-

sults. Markley won the recent

race at Midland, barely beating

Radar." (sic)

Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Friday 4 Oct 1963, Page 25

 

Markley, Lotus 23B, ran at Green Valley Raceway, near Fort Worth, Texas, 5-6 October 1963. 

 

This all points to the Midland event being in September?

Update: This event held 21-22 September 1963, S.C.C.A. Divisionals, Final race 35 laps.

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Thursday 19 Sep 1963, Page 88 

 

#96 F-Mod Lotus 23 of Bob Markley, at Nassau, 12 December 1963:

 

https://library.revs...eed-week/301473

 

https://library.revs...eed-week/313105

 

Note the car is not painted white and has distinctive holes in the rear deck.

Plainly not the white car Markley raced through the 1963 season. Is this the Arciero Brothers car? 

 

RGDS RLT

My photo is not clear enough to make out the number.  I agree that all of the reports point to the race being in September, not October.  Facts trump memory! I wrote October on the back of my pictures going by memory and will update them.  

 

Keep up the good work.

 

Mark



#65 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 14 February 2023 - 06:33

Who is this at Laguna Seca, 1963?

 

https://library.revs...and-prix/388720

 

https://library.revs...and-prix/376569

 

Could he be Bob Drake, Redondo Beach, California?

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 14 February 2023 - 07:29.


#66 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 21 February 2023 - 18:54

Competition Press, 21 November 1964 - 11 December 1964, Page 11

LOTUS 23 -1500 Climax. DOHC FPF engine: mk. 2 pistons and rods; Porsche 718 transaxle; 5 speed; limited slip differential; 3 spare transmission ratios; 8 wheels; numerous other spares. This is the ex-London racing show car with only aluminum body made. Picture on request.  Sid Kelly, Robert E. Lee hotel, Jackson, Miss.; (601) 372- 4109 or 353-1661.

 

LOTUS 23 --Chassis, body, complete. like new, 4-speed Hewland gearbox, spares. $3000 firm. Will deliver up to 1000 miles after deposit. Richard C. Macon III, P. O. Box 291, Fairhope, Ala.: (205) 928-2151 or 928- 5810

 

LOTUS 23B -Without engine, transmission $3000. Transmission, $700. Engines: 1100cc, $1000; 1760cc,$1400; twin-cam, $2500. Kept up by J. Frank Harrison. Wick Williams, Box 20, University of Chattanooga, Chattanooga 3, Tenn.; 821-4727.

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 21 February 2023 - 18:54.


#67 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 23 February 2023 - 03:05

Here is a mangled yarn, from Graham Capel's book:

According to Lotus records no such thing as a Lotus 23C was produced. Sports Car Graphic magazine in June 1965 published a article on Glen Baldwin's car. 53 year old Glen from Birmingham, Alabama, worked as an engineer for General Motors. He had heard of the prodigious power output of the Chevy II engine which was effectively half a V8 with lightweight castings.  The block was bored to 4 inches to produce 2.6 litre capacity.  Anson pistons and an Anson aluminium cross flow cylinder head were fitted and 48 DCOE Weber carburettors. The only chassis modification was the addition of brake cooling ducts which was a popular addition particularly in the USA. Power was quoted at around 200 bhp. Quite what made this car a Lotus 23C as distinct from a Lotus built 23B (Series 2) is not explained, or maybe the 'C' stood for 'Chevy' !   However, the term Lotus 23C caught on in America and quite a few larger capacity and highly modified 23s used this connotation but it certainly did not come from Lotus.

 

The man in question is Glenn Baldwin from Birmingham, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit (previously Lotus 11, Lotus 17)? Did he have access to special parts from GM? AFAIK the Chevy II engine was known as the Iron Duke? BTW should be Ansen throughout.

 

https://www.racingsp...aldwin-USA.html

 

Enter Ed Luke of Phoenix, Arizona, known to have campaigned a Lotus 23 in 1966.

Photo caption:

HILL CLIMB FAVORITE  This Lotus 23B recently purchased by Phoe-

nician Ed Luke, current SCCA national class 'D' champion, is among

the favorites tomorrow and Sunday's Phoenix All-American Hill Climb at

South Mountain Park.

[#72 in the picture.]

Arizona Republic, Friday 24 Feb 1967, Page 29

 

Better yet:

HILL CLIMB FAVORITE  Ed Luke of Phoenix, shown driving his Lotus

23B to victory recently in Bisbee Hill Climb, rates the favorite in the

D/Sports Racing Class for the first Phoenix All-American Hill Climb up

South Mountain Park tomorrow and Sunday. Luke and his Chevy-powered

racer are current SCCA national class 'D' champions.

[#72 in the picture.]

Arizona Republic, Friday 24 Feb 1967, Page 59

 

https://www.racingsp...d-Luke-USA.html

 

For more on Ansen go here:

 

https://www.jalopyjo...-banger.948445/

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 23 February 2023 - 08:47.


#68 E1pix

E1pix
  • Member

  • 23,415 posts
  • Joined: January 11

Posted 23 February 2023 - 04:29

Hmmm, thanks Mark, interesting. It is almost as if the car had a nose 'wrap' which has been crudely painted over. I say that because it is almost identical to that of Hank Candler, who raced a red 23 out of the Denver, Colorado area (same as Taylor) in 1964, under the number 44. Also, Taylor raced under the number 44 at Castle Rock USRRC in August 1965. Could just be a coincidence though... However, I am fairly sure Candler told me his car had a twin-cam, maybe Taylor fitted the Alfa as a cheaper option, maybe even the engine from the Sherman car if she had re-fitted a Ford in her car!
 
Here's the Candler car in the pits at the 64 Greenwood Roadway USRRC round for comparison:
 
http://www.chuckbrandt.com/bill2.jpg

Quoting an old post, but a couple potentially-meaningless points...

Candler has lived in Castle Rock for decades, so the quoted posted referring to a #44 car being coincidence is probably not... I suspect they’re the same car.

I believe that’s Hank to the left, leaning over the car in the photo. I pinstriped a Model A for Hank about twenty years ago, plus he was a regular fixture at the restoration shop whenever I striped there.

#69 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 23 February 2023 - 12:08

Quoting an old post, but a couple potentially-meaningless points...

Candler has lived in Castle Rock for decades, so the quoted posted referring to a #44 car being coincidence is probably not... I suspect they’re the same car.

I believe that’s Hank to the left, leaning over the car in the photo. I pinstriped a Model A for Hank about twenty years ago, plus he was a regular fixture at the restoration shop whenever I striped there.

 

The Lotus 23 cars entered at Greenwood, Iowa:

 

Greenwood Roadway, USRRC, 19 July 1964

From the programme (with additions):

#96 Arciero Bros Racing Team, Montebello, California, Bobby Unser, Lotus 23

#1 G.R.T. Enterprises, Staatsburg, N.Y., Michael Goth, Lotus 23-Alfa Romeo

#84 Bob Shaw, Rockford, Illinois, Lotus 23B

#97 Shelby American, Venice, California, John Morton, Lotus 23-Climax

Additionally:

#41 Hank Candler, Lakewood, Colorado, Lotus 23

#55 Tom Terrell, La Grange Park, Illinois, Lotus 23B-Climax

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 23 February 2023 - 13:04.


#70 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 31 March 2023 - 15:29

Jim Baker, Sheffield, Alabama, (by 1965 Atlanta, Georgia) had two Lotus 23s:

"the ex-Baker Lotus 23, to be driven by new owner Joel Nelson, Augusta, Ga.; and another ex-Baker Lotus 23B with George Avent of Kingtree, S.C. aboard."

The Columbus Ledger, Sunday 22 May 1966, Page 26

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 31 March 2023 - 15:31.


#71 lcbulldog

lcbulldog
  • Member

  • 55 posts
  • Joined: April 10

Posted 31 March 2023 - 17:38

Los Ochos Millas, Nov, 1964, SCCA Regional at Bottomless Lakes State Park, Roswell, New Mexico:

 

Lotus 23 -Alfa, red #44, driven by Del Russo Taylor. Listed at DNS. I believe this was the ex-Edna Sherman Lotus 23.

 

Mark

 

Thanks for catching my error.


Edited by lcbulldog, 03 April 2023 - 14:00.


#72 10kDA

10kDA
  • Member

  • 970 posts
  • Joined: July 09

Posted 03 April 2023 - 12:30

Bottomless Lakes State Park, beach attire dress code notwithstanding.



#73 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 06 April 2023 - 15:32

#21 Lotus 23B, F Sports Racing, driver Paul Jett, San Antonio, Texas, at ARRC, Daytona, in 1967:

 

https://library.revs...ona-arrc/369049

 

Doug Champlin, Enid, Oklahoma, was #35 at this event.

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 06 April 2023 - 16:07.


#74 Rupertlt1

Rupertlt1
  • Member

  • 3,038 posts
  • Joined: October 10

Posted 08 April 2023 - 06:46

 

GordonRichardson_zpsbbca11e5.jpg
Gordon Richardson and his Lotus 23 on their way to victory in the soggy June 16, 1963 Sunburn Feature at Green Valley Raceway.
 
An unidentified Lotus 23 not mentioned earlier is the car in which Bob Markley won the Features at Midland Airpark [Sep 22, 1963] and Seguin, Texas [Nov 3, 1963]. The car was maintained at the Chaparral shop in Midland.
 
On November 24, 1963. Don Johnson claimed the Savannah 3 Hours in yet another so far unidentified Lotus 23, owned by Frank Harrison of Chattanooga.
 
 
 
Photo: Willem Oosthoek Collection

 

 

According to a newspaper report (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Monday 17 Jun 1963, Page 20) Gordon Richardson was offering his ex-Brabham Lotus 23-Ford for sale, immediately following his win at Green Valley, 16 June 1963.

 

https://www.racingsp...ardson-USA.html

 

RGDS RLT


Edited by Rupertlt1, 08 April 2023 - 08:38.