1958 Lotus Eleven Series II Roadster

The Eleven was one of the most successful of Colin Chapman's early sports racing car, and carried Chapman himself to many victories. Around 270 were built during the car's 1956-58 production run, and about 100 of those were Series Two models.

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.