was watching a great film on netlfix about F1......
I never knew that J Rindt demanded the wing be removed on his Lotus 72 the day he tragically passed
was watching a great film on netlfix about F1......
I never knew that J Rindt demanded the wing be removed on his Lotus 72 the day he tragically passed
Last edited by 70tangerine; 03-15-2019 at 09:47 AM.
Rindt Lotus Elan road car for sale
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“It was immediately after the German Grand Prix on the 2nd of August that Colin Chapman presented Jochen with this French Blue, left-hand drive Elan S4 FHC for his personal use. His enjoyment of the car was to be short-lived, however, as tragically he was killed as a result of mechanical failure during practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza just over a month later”.
https://www.silverstoneauctions.com/...toneleigh-0223
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Rindt photographed at Hethel April 1970.
A nice Pathe movie from that era for fans of the Lotus marque at this link:
https://youtu.be/i0y7Gx98kQw
Aerial view of Hethel
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An old business card from my time with the Hethel address:
Attachment 590081
After being promoted to from director of Engineering Ltd to the group-director role my office moved opposite Chapman’s old office in the main building at Hethel, albeit some years after his demise. I was told by old timers that the office had previously been Fred Bushell’s office. Little seemed to have changed in that corner since when Rindt might’ve visited and who knows what other interesting characters in 80s.
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Quaint touch was dedicated parking for directors-cars right next to the building. Lotus’ product of course.
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I moved my desk from the comfort of that corridor to the end of the production line when the new-build factory was being completed and commissioned and remained there during production volume ramp. Right place to be but it might explain why my hearing isn’t what it once was!
This period film from mid 80s shows shows part of the Lotus Cars’ operations at Hethel — in the “old” factory (although not covering work of Lotus Engineering Ltd for other OEM or racing/F1).
https://youtu.be/PC7zPH4zcZ8
Also an assembly of video segments in this link seems to have been filmed over different periods but it gives a flavour of some of the elements of factory operations in newer facilities. https://youtu.be/4nuX-I-ID1Q
Steve
Last edited by 911MRP; 02-06-2023 at 02:51 PM.
One of the work buildings was very close to the edge of the test track.
Attachment 590123
Testing cars was an everyday occurrence as the track was a great asset to the talented development engineers but sometimes an Clive would “borrow” the track for filming with his classics.
This link below is not my video but seeing it brings to mind one work meeting in that particular building being interrupted by a famous JPS F1 car doing noisy laps for a film crew. Would’ve been rude not to step-out to watch (as the folks clearly did in this little clip) also the noise from the F1 car would’ve made it pointless to try and carry on the discussion anyway. Cameras were banned on site for reasons of client confidentiality also cameras on smart phones not prevalent at that time but I remember phoning a pal in London and held up my mobile let him listen in.
Enjoy:
https://youtu.be/FVy1SZrQMgE
Also this is quite a nice video
https://youtu.be/SjNxUvgYuUU
A Lotus loving pal who occasionally frequents here went as my guest to a dinner with Emerson; he is such a charming man who appreciates the motorsport history — some of which he created. A nice touch was Adrian Newey had come along unannounced to the evening in support of guest of honour Emerson at the event which speaks volumes about both. Emerson used used to live in Norfolk when forging his F1 career!
My son (pictured below) in Lotus
Steve
Last edited by 911MRP; 02-06-2023 at 02:53 PM.
Nice pic, cute kid Steve....
Chuck Miller
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Nice ... thanks for sharing, Steve
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