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Series 1 Lotus Eleven For Sale (1956) | | |
| The Lotus Eleven model was introduced in the spring of 1956 and about 150 were built in one year. A "Series 2" version was introduced in 1957. Approximately 120 Series 2 Eleven's were built before the summer of 1958 when Lotus was ready to shift their focus to newer models. Although the Lotus company would continue growing and increasing production capacity, the Eleven stands out as the model that established their reputation as a manufacturer of high quality, well designed sports cars for serious competition use.
They particularly earned fame for endurance racing at LeMans and Sebring. At the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans, a Lotus Eleven finished first in class and seventh overall. Lotus returned in 1957 with more cars. The 1100cc Lotus Elevens finished first, second and fourth in class (ninth, thirteenth and sixteenth overall). Both Series 1 and Series 2 Elevens were available in Sports, Club, or LeMans models.
The Club model featured solid rear axle, and drum brakes with a Coventry Climax FWA engine of 1098cc.
The Lotus works were located on Tottenham Lane in London's north end. The location was conveniently close to partnering companies. The Lotus Eleven's elegant all-aluminum body was made next door at Williams and Pritchard. Its seventy pound space frame chassis was made directly across Tottenham Lane by the Progress Chassis Company. Designed by Frank Costin, who had a considerable knowledge of aerodynamics the body of the Lotus Eleven was both elegant and functional. Fully embracing Colin Chapman's philosophy of extreme lightweight design the Lotus Eleven is not a heavy duty car, but it's a very quick one!
The S1 Eleven offered here is a 1956 car with swing axle front suspension and drum brakes all round. It has a live rear axle and Coventry Climax FWA engine on twin side draught carburettors. It is in excellent running order and has been part of a private collection for many years. The car has participated on one of the Historic re- run’s of the famous Mille Miglia.
With these cars so sought after by the Historic racing enthusiasts world wide they rarely come onto the open market. This car is located in Northern Italy and viewing can be arranged by appointment.
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