<< Prev Page 2 of 2 In the fall of 1956, one Eleven was prepared specifically for high speed runs at Monza. It was fitted with a special canopy to reduce drag and a modified 1,100 cc Coventry Climax engine, which featured a pair of twin-choke Webers instead of the SU carburettors usually fitted. Stirling Moss set new 50 km and 50 miles record at 218 and 214 km/h respectively. Further records were set by Mackay Fraser, who set a quite remarkable fastest lap of 230 km/h.
Ahead of the new season, a Series 2 or S2 version of the Eleven was introduced. It featured a revised double-wishbone front suspension, available on all versions. The Le Mans specification Eleven boasted a reinforced chassis and a stronger DeDion axle. This prepared the featherweight sports car for the new twin-cam version of the 1.5-litre Coventry Climax engine. Equipped with two Webers, the new engine produced 150 bhp.
In 1957, the Eleven continued to show its great form and many more class and outright victories were added to Lotus' tally. Among the best results was a class win at Sebring for Colin Chapman, Joe Sheppard and Dick Dungan, while at Le Mans, the 1.1-litre title was defended with a 1-2 finish of the Lotus engineering class. Production of the Eleven ceased at the end of 1957. It was replaced by the Type 15 and the slightly smaller Type 17.
In less than two years, Lotus produced around 270 Elevens both as complete cars and also in kit form. The great commercial and sporting success of the svelte sports racer proved vital for Lotus' future. Still much loved, the Eleven has also been a popular subject of replicas with Westfield's version the most famous. Original cars are welcome at prominent events the world over ranging from the Tour Auto to the Goodwood Revival. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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In the fall of 1956, one Eleven was prepared specifically for high speed runs at Monza. It was fitted with a special canopy to reduce drag and a modified 1,100 cc Coventry Climax engine, which featured a pair of twin-choke Webers instead of the SU carburettors usually fitted. Stirling Moss set new 50 km and 50 miles record at 218 and 214 km/h respectively. Further records were set by Mackay Fraser, who set a quite remarkable fastest lap of 230 km/h.