1957 Lotus Eleven Le Mans Series 2

A 1957 Le Mans Series 2 on its original chassis and with continuous racing history stretching back to 1958 is offered by William I’Anson Ltd. Owned by the same family for the past 45 years, Lotus Eleven chassis no313 retains the road registration it was given in 1958 and comes with a bulging history file containing scrutineering tags dating from 1959.

An early example from the run of 120 Series 2s, the car was ordered in Le Mans specification with an FWA, magnesium ‘wobbly web’ wheels and a close-ratio gearbox by its first owner, a Jack Slater from Scotland. The car briefly passed into the ownership of notable club racer Phil Barak in 1960, the first of a number of drivers to campaign the car in the north of England. Chassis no313 then headed south and was used exclusively on the road by one of its subsequent custodians.

A bare-chassis rebuild was undertaken by renowned Lotus racer Bill Friend for the current owner in 1975. A common sight at British historic meetings in the 2000s, the car was upgraded to a 1500cc Climax FWB in 2007.

This Eleven won its class in the BRDC Historic Sports Car Championship that year and the Spencer Flack Trophy at Phillip Island in Australia in 2004. It has competed in the Pau Historic GP and should, as a 1957 car, be eligible for the Mille Miglia. It is ready to go with the FWB and also comes with an FWA. “It has been part of the family for the current owner,” says Ben Mitchell from William I’Anson Ltd. “It has a lovely feel.”

William I’Anson Ltd Collectors Car Sales, Birdlip, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01285 831488, williamianson.com