1958 Lotus Eleven Series II

Approximately 270 examples of the Lotus elven were built from 1956 through 1958, with the later examples built in 1958 sometimes unofficially referred to as Lotus 13. They were designed by Colin Chapman and clothed with bodywork by aerodynamicist Frank Costin. They had a tubular spaceframe chassis with engine options and specifications varied depending on the intended use. The top specification was the LeMans version generally fitted with a 1100cc Coventry Climax FWA engine and occasionally a larger 1500cc Coventry Climax FWB engine. They had a DeDion rear axle and Girling disc brakes. The 'Club' versions typically had a 1100cc engine and the 'Sport' had a 1172cc Ford engine. Both the Club and Sport had a live rear axle and drum brakes. Some examples were powered by Maserati, DKW, Saab, FWB, FPF, and FWE engines, with displacements that ranged from 750cc to 1500cc.

In 1956, Stirling Moss drove an Eleven with a modified enclosed body by Costin to a class world record of 143 mph for a lap at Monza. Several class victories were achieved at Sebring and LeMans, with Reg Bicknell and Peter Jopp finishing 7th overall at the 1956 24 Hours of LeMans. Most examples campaigned with much success in the 1100cc class during the mid-to-late-1950s.

In 1957, the Lotus Eleven received modifications to its front suspension and drivetrain, resulting in the series 2 (sometimes referred to as Lotus 13s since they were produced between 12 and 14 models).

The Eleven would become one of the most successful of Colin Chapman's early sports racing cars.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020