1972 Lotus / GRD 372 Formula III/Formula B
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Serial Number: 372-021-F3 Logbooks: FIA Form Condition: excellent Price: $34,600 USD Location: California, USA |
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DescriptionThis immaculate Lotus GRD was built as a Formula III car with chassis No. 372-021-F3 in 1972. The car enjoyed a succesful run in F3 trim and was later updated to 1600cc Formula b/Atlantic trim where it was driven by Pedro passadore. In 1995 this highly succesful car enjoyed a chassis-up restoration and was issued European FIA papers. it has not raced since. |
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In 1971 Lotus cars closed their racing car division to concentrate on the more lucrative road car production and sales. Since Lotus customers were still winning in Formula III, Formula II, and Formula B, the main personnel from Hethel - the old Lotus cars' headquarters - decided to set up a new frim called Group Racing Developments (GRD) in order to continue supplying racing cars to this privateer market.
Well known names invloved included Mike Warner, designer Dave Baldwin and technicians Derek Wil and Gordon Huckle. They established a Phoenix as an emblem, and soon Joe Marquart joined them as GRD's chief designer. The intent was to compete with Brabham & March and they succeeded very well in this during the period of 1971 to 1974.
Frenchman Pierre Francois Rousselot raced it in the European F3 Championship with major sponsorship from Gitane Cigarettes, scoring the
following excellent results:
fifth at Oulton park on April 29
third at Thruxton on April 30
second at Chimay on May 21
fifth at Brands Hatch on May 28
fourth at Mallory Park on May 29
fourth at Estoril on Jume 18
second at Chermont on July 7
fourth at Caldwell on Sept. 24
fifth at thruxton on Sept. 24
fifth at mallory Park on Oct. 1
