Equipment
RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, full width wraparound windscreen, 1098cc Coventry Climax engine with dual sidedraft Webers, deDion rear axle, disc brakes. 1956 Lotus factory entry at Le Mans driven by Cliff Allison and Keith Hall, crashed after hitting a dog on the Mulsanne Straight. Factory special Eleven with 8 inch wider frame, covered headlights and driving lights, larger seats and footwells to 1956 regulations. Subsequently raced in the US, restored by Crosthwaite & Gardiner to 56 Le Mans specs and appearance for Dieter Holterbosch and unused since in pristine condition, probably better than when it was scrutineered for Le Mans. Olav Glasius Collection.
Market commentary
Elevens are highly desirable sports racers, even when fitted with a side valve Ford engine and live rear axle. In Le Mans specs with the wider passenger compartment required by the post 1955 disaster regulations and meticulously restored, they are among the most intriguing and potentially competitive historic race cars available. Add in real Le Mans history and this is car that will be welcomed at any event, tour, show or vintage race. The entry ticket alone is a substantial component of this result; the itself car is a good value.