Description:

Known as Colin Chapman's first production car, the Lotus Mk6 was, however, sold mostly in component or 'kit' configuration. This allowed a number of different powertrains to be fitted and helped it to conform to a variety of racing formulae. First offered in 1952, the Mk6 was built on a sophisticated Chapman-designed multi-tubular chassis constructed by Progress Chassis. The firm of Williams and Pritchard shaped the aluminium bodywork, while the mechanical components were sourced from the Ford Prefect.

Quickly becoming a favourite among British club racers, the Mk6 introduced, for the first time in a series production car, Chapman's philosophy of 'adding lightness' to boost performance. The tube-frame chassis weighed only 25kg (55 pounds) and the Mk6's total weight, depending on the drivetrain, was some 432kg (952 pounds). Despite the modest outputs from the engines used - which ranged from a 1,172cc slide-valve Ford four up to a Coventry Climax - the car showed a top end of over 90mph and lived up to Lotus advertising's claim for the Mk6: 'It's faster than you think!'

Chassis number #74, on offer here, made its competition debut at Goodwood in 1955 and boasts an extensive road and race history dating back to that period, supported by a substantial photographic and document file. It's currently fitted with a 1,098cc Climax (92bhp) which has been fully rebuilt by Eric Pasture and raced only once since. Whilst the engine was out, the opportunity was taken to go right through the car and the work included a rear axle rebuild, rebuilt prop shaft, gearbox and clutch, new fuel tank and pumps, radius arms, brake overhaul, new harness and fire extinguishing system, renewal of engine controls and two new sets of wheels, one alloy and one steel. The car is accompanied by a rebuilt spare gearbox.

Since completion, the car has been run in three qualifying sessions and three races, totalling just over four hours of running time. Historic FIA papers are present for the current specification, along with a valid MSUK passport.

The Lotus has been owned and raced by a number of notable drivers, including Michael Clay, Tom Candish, Bill McIntyre, Leonard Wilson, Mike Brotherwood, Chris Rea and, most recently, John Cleland. It returned to Goodwood for the Revival under the pilotage of Chris Rea and has since competed at leading events such as the Silverstone Classic, Woodcote Trophy, Spa Six Hours weekend and the Algarve Classic.

Under current ownership, the little Lotus won its class in its first three races and has subsequently finished second in class on four occasions at the Silverstone Woodcote Trophy. It remains a well sorted and eligible example for premier historic motorsport events, with a provenance that few can match.

Commercially successful and competitive in motorsport, the Mk6 was genuinely dual-purpose and Chapman's use of relatively inexpensive components made it great value for money. A paragon of industrial design wherein form follows function, theory has rarely been so well matched to artisanal skill.

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