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 Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 506

Colin Chapman drew the concept, and built the cars from 1956 to 1958, in cahoots with Frank Costin, ace aerodynamicist, who styled the bodywork. The Eleven was a hugely successful car in every sense, establishing both Chapman's and Costin's credibility once and for all. About 270 cars were built around a tubular space frame chassis with 1100 or 1500cc Coventry Climax 4-cylinder up front, canted over to reduce frontal area, de Dion rear with Girling disc brakes all around.

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 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.

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 Dan Vaughan