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1958 Lotus Eleven Series II news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 506 |
Approximately 300 Lotus Elevens were constructed between 1956 and 1958. This car was delivered in October 1957 to Michael Taylor, a well known English racer. The car was maintained and race prepared by Innes Ireland, who teamed with Tylor for the 1958 LeMans.
Unfortunately, a failed distributor shaft at the far side of the track eliminated them in the 19th hour. Later that year, and in 1959, Taylor competed in 27 events with ten outright wins.
No. 506 was discovered in storage in England in 1988 and underwent a complete restoration to original standards at Crosthwaite and Gardiner.
It was acquired by present owner in 1992 and has participated in over 60 race weekends since.
 |  | Roadster |
The current owner stumbled upon this Lotus Eleven LeMans in 2007. It was found near Rolla, Missouri and was spotted while searching for parts for a Corvair restoration. He noticed the Lotus in a far corner of the barn that also housed the Corvair he had come to see. 'I had no idea what it was at first,' Epperson recalls. 'It had a Lotus badge, so I knew that much. But that was about it.' Nevertheless, he was intrigued, and inquired about a possible purchased. No Sale. He inquired again a couple month s later. And again. And again. Finally, in 2008, the owner agreed to sell. A restoration soon followed.
The Lotus had been in a barn since 1972, and its aluminum body, tube frame chassis, and suspension components were complete. Unfortunately, though, the vehicle was fitted with a Ford Pinto four-cylinder.
The Lotus Eleven began production in 1956. The 'Eleven' was Colin Chapmans next evolution of phenomenally successful sports cars. The vehicle was dubbed 'Eleven' because it was the Mark XI and due to its 1100 cc engine capacity. The Eleven was built in three variations. The 'Le Mans' version featured a deDion rear axle and Girling disc brakes. The 'Club' version had a normal rear axle and drum brakes. The 'Sports' version was basically a 'Club' variant with a Ford 10 engine. The rest of vehicles were identical.
The Louts Eleven has been credited with securing Colin Chapman and Lotus in the history books as one of the greatest sports car manufacturers of all times.
The Eleven was a new vehicle, meaning its design and chassis did not borrow from previous models. A steel-tubular space-frame and stressed aluminum panels were used. The chassis alone weighed less than seventy pounds. The aerodynamic body was designed by Frank Costin and was hand made from aluminum.
This followed Collin Chapmans weight saving, effect, and scientific design principles.
The Climax engine was planted in the front of the vehicle. The 1100cc was capable of speeds in excess of 140mph. The famous race car driver Stirling Moss and 'Max' Fraser set closed-track world speed records at Monza running 143 mph.
In 1956, three Eleven models were entered in the grueling 24 hours of LeMans race. The results were astonishing, finishing seventh overall and first in their class. The streak continued the following year where it again finished first, second, and fourth in the 1100cc class. A 750cc lightweight Eleven driven by Cliff Allison and Keith Hall won the 'Index of Performance'. The vehicle achieved similar success at Sebring and other races.
The vehicle had less under-steer than previous Lotus models due in part to the modified swing axle front suspension. A new rack-and-pinion steering unit help control the vehicle at speed.
In 1957, the Series-2 was introduced. The Series-2 had chassis and drivetrain improvements. The 'Le Mans' bodystyle received a new Lotus 12-type double A-arms front suspension.
When production ceased in 1958, nearly 270 examples had been produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe Louts Eleven has been credited with securing Colin Chapman and Lotus in the history books as one of the greatest sports car manufacturers of all times.
The Eleven was a new vehicle, meaning its design and chassis did not borrow from previous models. A steel-tubular space-frame and stressed aluminum panels were used. The chassis alone weighed less than seventy pounds. The aerodynamic body was designed by Frank Costin and was hand made from aluminum.
This followed Collin Chapmans weight saving, effect, and scientific design principles.
The Climax engine was planted in the front of the vehicle. The 1100cc was capable of speeds in excess of 140mph. The famous race car driver Stirling Moss and 'Max' Fraser set closed-track world speed records at Monza running 143 mph.
In 1956, three Eleven models were entered in the grueling 24 hours of LeMans race. The results were astonishing, finishing seventh overall and first in their class. The streak continued the following year where it again finished first, second, and fourth in the 1100cc class. A 750cc lightweight Eleven driven by Cliff Allison and Keith Hall won the 'Index of Performance'. The vehicle achieved similar success at Sebring and other races.
The vehicle had less under-steer than previous Lotus models due in part to the modified swing axle front suspension. A new rack-and-pinion steering unit help control the vehicle at speed.
In 1957, the Series-2 was introduced. The Series-2 had chassis and drivetrain improvements. The 'Le Mans' bodystyle received a new Lotus 12-type double A-arms front suspension.
When production ceased in 1958, nearly 270 examples had been produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006
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