1957 Lotus Eleven Sports Racer

The Lotus Eleven, produced between 1956 and 1958, is considered one of Colin Chapman's most successful designs. With a lightweight space frame and sleek aluminum body designed by noted aerodynamicist Frank Costin, the Eleven earned class victories at LeMans and Sebring, and a 750cc version won the Index of Performance at LeMans in 1957.

This particular Lotus Eleven, chassis number 256 (of 270), was brought directly to the United States by importer Jay Chamberlain. It was featured in the March, 1957 issue of Road & Track magazine, where it was on the cover.

Subsequently, #102 embarked on a lengthy racing career. Initially it was entered in local California Sports Car Club events by a young Jack Nethercutt - who is perhaps best known in the automotive world as the force behind the Nethercutt Collection and Museum in Sylmar, California.

After seeing extensive duty in Cal Club and SCCA racing, #102 eventually made its mark on the vintage circuit, participating in events across North America at storied venues from Watkins Glen to Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio, Indianapolis, and Laguna Seca.

Current owner Steve Sanett purchased #102 from Seattle, WA racer Walt Cox in 2014 and retuned the white Lotus Eleven to its Southern California roots. It has been ground-up restored to like-new condition by Penta Motorsports in Canoga Park, California - just a few miles from where #102 first saw action at Paramount Ranch nearly six decades ago.