Lotus Eleven, one of the greatest race cars of the 1950s

Legendary ONES This time we will discuss one of the Lotus's racing cars which often wins the world racing championship series. As is well known that Lotus, one of the British automotive brands, has long been involved in the various world racing arenas. Its Team Lotus name was well-known in the Grand Prix Formula-1 racing events over more 30 years ranging the 1960s to 1990s (and perhaps until today).

This stunning 1956 Lotus Eleven proves less is more at the 1956 - 1957 Le Mans. (Picture from: http://yhoo.it/2OEjrBi)

And much earlier, in the 1950s (precisely 1956) Lotus was also noted for being successful in endurance racing events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the classes of 1100 and 1500 through its Lotus Eleven. The race car intended to replace and continued its predecessor triumph in the racing event, the Lotus Nine of 1955.

Initially, the Lotus's race car developed from the Mk-1 through the Mk-10 by combining lightweight structures with slippery bodywork and ample power has always been the DNA of the once small car company from the North of London.

The 1956 Lotus Eleven is designed by Collin Chapman and its unusual bodywork was work of Frank Costin. (Picture from: http://yhoo.it/2OEjrBi)

And for the 1956 season, Colin Chapman, the founder as well as CEO of Lotus continued his line of lightweight sports cars with the Lotus Mk-11. It became the most successful Lotus’s sports car and ever had manufactured as 270 examples and raced at many top international racing events.

The Lotus Eleven's unusual bodywork was the work of Frank Costin who created a low-drag shape which also added rigidity to the chassis. Gone were the stability fins from previous Lotuses, and for night driving two recessed night lights were sometimes included.

The 1956 Lotus Eleven's interior has simple seats in red finished, dash fascia nicely finished. (Picture from: http://yhoo.it/2OEjrBi)

Like it predecessors, the Lotus Mk-11 was fitted with a variety of engines which usually included Coventry Climax engines ranging from 750 to 1500cc. The cars also varied in specification with some having a DeDion axle instead of the swing type used for amateur drivers.

The 1956 Lotus Eleven was fitted with a variety of engines which usually included Coventry Climax engines ranging from 750 to 1500cc. (Picture from: http://yhoo.it/2OEjrBi)

Colin’s lightweight principles combined with Costin’s low-drag body to become an instant success on the track. The Lotus Mk-11s held the speed record at Monza and provided fierce competition in the 750cc, 1100cc and 1500cc classes. The car’s best moment came when a FWB-engined example took the 1100cc class victory at the 24 Hours of LeMans.

For the 1957 season the Lotus Eleven was slightly upgraded to include a front wishbone suspension and an upgraded chassis and driveline. The car known as Lotus Eleven S2, is built as 104 units. This helped it repeat its feat at Le Mans, as well as take 1957 Sebring 1100cc class. Moreover, the 1957 Le Mans winning recorded an unforgettable moment where all the four of the Lotus Elevens finished together in formation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MEDIA LOTUS CAR | LBILIMITED | NEWSYAHOO | WIKIPEDIA | SUPERCARS | CONCEPTCARZ | CARSGUIDE ]

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