Le Mans Lotus returns to UK

A works Lotus Eleven which contested the 1956 Le Mans race and has been in the USA since that same year has returned to Britain. Chassis 211, powered by a Climax FWA, ran in the French classic in the hands of Cliff Allison and Keith Hall, but retired in the early hours of the Sunday morning after Allison collided with a dog which ran out in front of him. In November 1956, after repair, 211 contested the Lands End John O’Groats economy run, achieving over 38mpg, before being shipped to the USA, together with its LM 1100cc-class-winning team-mate. Restored by Crosthwaite & Gardiner, the car is expected to have a new owner for the 1997 race season.