Equipment
The given history of this car is that it was built by Lotus as 25 chassis R4 and later sold to Reg Parnell who renumbered it R13 (a number not used by Lotus) with BRM power, later rebuilding it after an accident and calling it a Lotus 33. The catalog says the monocoque is definitely a 25 and Im not about to argue with the late John Dawson Damer and all the experts in Australia and New Zealand. Beautifully restored to sharp, crisp, race ready condition using drawings and even material specification direct from Lotus. Completed in 1997 and still in exceptional condition.
Market commentary
Now, why is it worth so much R4 was driven by Jimmie Clark to four consecutive GP wins in 1963, Belgium, Holland, Franc and Britain, then second in Germany and then finished the season with consecutive wins in Italy, Oulton Park, Mexico and South Africa. It was then raced by Peter Arundell in 1964 to second at Goodwood Easter Monday, third at Syracuse, May Silverstone, Monaco and Holland and fourth at France before going to Parnell and being driven by Tony Maggs, Richard Attwood, Innes Ireland, Bob Bondurant, Mike Spence, Chris Irwin and Piers Courage before having another whole career from 1967 in the Tasman. It could be the absolutely most successful Lotus ever built, much less the most successful F1 Lotus. Thats why.