1957 Lotus Eleven Series 1

1957 Lotus Eleven Series 1 Chassis MK 11267, originally manufactured by Lotus engineering in London February 1957 and only 150 units of Lotus Eleven Series I models were produced worldwide. This example offered here is a Series I model fitted with a 1, 100cc Coventry-Climax sohc engine in Stage II tune producing a claimed 84bhp at 6, 900rpm. Chassis number '267' was raced in England as late as 1979, being most successful in its class in unlimited historic sports car races. It features a De Dion rear axle, fully coil-sprung suspension, disc brakes front and rear, head fairing, wrap around windscreen and the metal tonneau cover used for racing. This car can only be described as Mint and museum worthy. As has been kept in this condition regardless of cost.

The history of this Lotus, as supplied by the large amount of documentations and large files of detail itemize maintenance invoices. First owner Mr Godwin Austin Charters, of Dumfries, Scotland acquired the car new on 20 February 1957. Early in 1958 he left the Lotus with Meadens Garage in Sway, Hampshire and the car was eventually sold into the motor trade. the car is believed to have had two private owners during the early 1960s. Mid-1968 this Lotus was bought by a W Curtis, of Dellands Road, Chiswick, London, who sold it to the aforementioned John Oakley, of Basingstoke, Hampshire in November of that same year.

During 1979, while under the ownership of Rod Tolhurst, the car was tested at the Brands Hatch Circuit, recording a lap time of 61. 2 seconds. It was subsequently campaigned on his behalf by David Watson at Spa-Francorchamps, where it achieved an impressive 2nd in class and 5th overall in the Unlimited Historic Sports Car Race.

In 1980, the engine was stripped and comprehensively rebuilt by Jimmy Potton (formerly of the Aston Martin works team and Team Surtees in Formula One). Later that same year, the Lotus was acquired from David Watson for display at the York Motor Museum.

Following its arrival in Western Australia, the car has featured in the York 'Flying Fifty' historic around-the-houses event. In June 1981, ownership passed to Peter Briggs, who retained the car until 2008, before it was sold to the current owner, who has cared for and preserved the car ever since, current service and maintenance just completed by Ellery Motorsport enterprise classic car specialist ( 22/ 01/ 2026 ). This is a true turnkey classic, ready to be enjoyed at the racetrack or admired as a significant piece of motor racing history alongside any distinguished collection.

Offered for sale for the first time in almost 20 years, '267' represents a rare opportunity to acquire an early Lotus sports-racer eligible for a wide variety of the most prestigious historic events worldwide, including the Le Mans Classic. Be a part of the Lotus motor history for only $169, 990 GBP + Shipping