Description:

An exceptionally early short door Series 1 Lotus Eleven chassis with rare  ‘Chapman strut’ provenance, painstakingly reconstructed from period original components and presented in coveted Le Mans specification.

Researched in depth by respected Lotus historian Graham Capel, this Series 1 Short Door Le Mans  Eleven chassis is understood to be amongst the first 50 chassis produced,it also has the non flanged front swing axle mounting of the very early Lotus Elevens-first 25.

Most intriguingly, the chassis incorporates what is now recognised as the rare ‘Chapman strut’ — an additional 5/8-inch vertical tube positioned inboard of the nearside upper spring-damper mounting .A few Team Lotus and important  early customer cars had this extra tube welded into the front frame to stiffen against cornering distortion.

It is equipped with the desirable 1,460cc Coventry Climax FWB engine, twin Weber DCOE carburettors, close-ratio straight-cut four-speed gearbox, De Dion rear suspension and detachable rear fin, all hallmarks of the model that established Lotus as a force in international sports car racing.

Whilst the car’s earliest competition history remains elusive, records confirm that by 1958 it was active in Ireland. It continued to compete throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s before a racing accident brought its active career to an end.

The damaged remains were discovered in Ireland by Paddy Dowling  in 1974. During 1993/94 a replacement chassis was commissioned and a separate Eleven subsequently constructed. Significantly, the original damaged chassis, floorpan and transmission tunnel survived and became the foundation of the car presented today.

Acquired in 2013 by engineer Ryan Hodges, a specialist in 1950s and 1960s sports-racing machinery, the surviving original chassis was painstakingly restored. Following Capel’s confirmation of its importance, Hodges sourced correct components and recommenced the rebuild. The Coventry Climax FWB engine was rebuilt by Norman Vankoningsweld to original Lotus specification, benefiting from a small number of accepted period-style enhancements.

Purchased by the current owner in 2015, the project was completed by professionals to the highest standard. Great care was taken throughout to preserve authenticity and ensuring faithful adherence to original Lotus practice.

To be auctioned on July 25th at the Iconic Silverstone BRDC Sale

Keyword Search Terms:

Lotus Eleven,Lotus 15,Lotus,Coventry Climax,Le Mans