1956 Lotus Eleven Series I Le Mans by Paris Van Gorder
Nov 27, 2024
Photography Courtesy RM Sotheby's
This Lotus Eleven is the only Eleven to feature a complete wide-chassis design and a long-door frame. Oh, and did we mention it’s a Le Mans regulation build?
During an inspection by the Historic Lotus Register in the 1970s, they discovered that this Lotus Eleven lost its chassis plate during the first few years of its life. Despite this, the Register still deemed the car to be a period-built example and supplied it with the chassis number it bears today.
According to the ad, the Historic Lotus Register also acknowledged that this Lotus Eleven is the only known example featuring both a long-door frame and a wide-chassis design.
In 1989, Jason Wright, an avid collector, purchased the Lotus and restored it 10 years later. From 2002 to 2017, the Lotus changed hands four times and participated in the Zoute Grand Prix and Mille Miglia Storica on three occasions.
This Lotus stands accompanied by a history file with FIA HTP papers, FIVA and CSAI passports, as well as historic U.K. documents, making it eligible for various historic racing events globally. This Lotus goes up for auction on the first day of the Mille Miglia 2024 Experience with a complimentary entry for the buyer.
Find this 1956 Lotus Eleven Series I Le Mans for auction by RM Sotheby’s on December 1 with an estimated value of $180,000 to $225,000.
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Price
Price upon request
Color
Green
