1951 Lotus MK IIIB Roadster

After World War II, Colin Chapman was working full-time at British Aluminum. At night and on weekends, he built cars and raced them. After a successful year, on January 1, 1952, he established Lotus Engineering Company. His first business partner was Michael Allen. Michael and his brother Nigel Allen had helped Chapman build road racing cars to compete in the 750 Motor Club formula. They used the Austin 7 as a basis and used its chassis, gearbox, engine, and differential. Three examples were built, but only one example (LMU 3), was completed in 1951. The MK III proved to be a very successful racer, winning many 750 Club races. The success prompted Chapman to finish one of the two remaining MK III chassis. That example (a MK IIIB) was sold to Adam Currie, a racing enthusiast working for Dunlop Tires, and his friend Peter Ross, a De Havilland engineer. Thus, Carrie was Chapman's first patron and his MK IIIB was the first to wear the yellow Lotus badge. It was completed in September of 1952 and registered as ONK 408.

The differences between the MKIII and the MKIIIB was a modified Seven chassis, and the split Ford Eight front axle. It also had a modified Ford 10 engine that displaced 1099cc.

The aluminum coachwork was courtesy of Williams & Pritchard using drawings of the MK III. It remained in bare aluminum until around 1953 when it was painted black and given cream wheels.

On Cotber 11th of 1952, ONK made its racing debut at Silverstone where it was entered in the 2 litre class. During the 1952, it was tested and prepared for the 1953 season. During 1953, it was raced by Currie and Chapman at many events including at Goodwood, Silverstone, Brands Hatch, BARC members' meeting, and Castle Coombe.

Near the end of the season, Currie offered the car for sale. It was purchased by Anthony March, who raced it on several occasions prior to selling it to Selina Wadham in 1954. By 1958, it was purchased by Colonel Walton who gave it as a 21st birthday present for his son Murree. Murree fitted the car with a full windscreen and refinished the bodywork.

The current owner acquired the car from Murree Walton in September of 1994. It was then given a comprehensive, body-off restoration, returning it to its 1953 livery and specifications. After the work was completed in 1995, it was entered in two English hill climb events.

This is a very special vehicle as it is the earliest Lotus built car for a customer and the first to wear the firm's badge. The engine is a 1099cc Ford L-head four-cylinder engine fitted with a Stromberg Downdraft carburetor. It produces an estimated 50 horsepower and is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. At all four corners are hydraulic Girling drum brakes.

In 2015, the car was brought to Gooding & Company's auction in Amelia Island, Florida where it found new ownership for the sum of $247,500 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2015