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Lotus Eleven XI 1956 - 1958
Picture below : Lotus XI 1958
The Lotus Eleven is a sports racing car following the evolution of the different projects by Collin Chapman and Frank Costin. It comes with a multi tubular space frame and aluminium enveloping body. The front and rear body elements flip over in order to provide full access to the mechanical elements. The Lotus Eleven is typically propelled by a 1100cc 80 hp Coventry Climax or a 1500 cc 100 hp Coventry Climax. A large quantity of Lotus Eleven were sold in kit form and assembled by the customer; this solution avoided value added tax burden. Picture below : Lotus XI 1958
The Lotus Eleven was proposed in three versions :
The Le Mans model attained the highest standards of performance and was recommended for international competition. It was powered by the Coventry Climax engine, was equipped with disc brakes and a de Dion final drive. The Club model was basically similar with the same engine but a rear live axle and drum brakes.
The Le Mans and Club models have been homologated by the F.I.A. as grand touring cars and as such were eligible for events under Appendix J rules. The Sports model was very similar to the Club model but powered by a Ford 100E 1172cc engine. It was registered for road use and was equipped with a full width curved windscreen. Picture below : Lotus XI 1956
A Lotus XI Series II was introduced with updated specifications and was available with a 1500 cc twin overhead camshaft Coventry Climax FPF producing 150 hp. Picture below : Lotus XI 1958 Interior
The Lotus XI was quite successful in competion not only in Great Britain. The international racing pedigree include participation to the Sebring 12 Hours in 1957 with Colin Chapman "himself" finishing 11th overall with two American co-drivers. They won their Class. In 1957, three Lotus XI completed the Le Mans 24 Hours race with a Lotus XI with 750 cc engine finishing 13th overall while winning the Index of Performance for a combination of performances and fuel economy. The other two Lotus XI were propelled by 1100 cc and finished 14th and 16th. Picture below : Lotus XI 1958
At Pebble Beach 2012 Gooding Auction a 1956 Lotus Eleven Serie I Le Mans with single overhead camshaft 1,098cc FWA Coventry Climax was sold for U.S.$100.000. At Goodwood in 2012 a Lotus Eleven ex works Team Lotus Le Mans was sold for £ 152.700 (Euros 179.134) on occasion of Bonhams Auction. At Monterey 2015, a 1956 Lotus Eleven Le Mans Sports racer with 1,098 cc Coventry Climax FWA was sold for US$ 209.000 (Euros 186.890) at Bonhams Auction. Wallpapers of Lotus Eleven 1956 - 1958:
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