1959 Lotus

1959 Lotus Eleven Series II Le Mans Wobbly Web

Probably the most original and correct Eleven in existence

The ultimate spec FWB 1500cc Lotus Eleven 

On the market for first time in 40 years

FIA papers and road registered

The Le Mans FWB 1500cc Magnesium Wheel ‘Wobbly Web’ model is considered the 'ultimate Eleven' specification and is therefore highly sought-after by racers and collectors alike. It is also one of the most original examples extant and comes to the market after 40 years with the same owner.

Believed to be one of three cars delivered to the DeHavilland aircraft company for experimentation by Frank Costin, the aerodynamicist who was involved with the design of the early Lotus cars, including the XI, this example was originally fitted with a MGA engine, then a Ford and subsequently a Climax engine to keep it competitive during a racing history stretching into the 1970s. The car was eventually purchased by the Lotus Eleven Registrar in 1976. Shortly afterwards he embarked on the most meticulous restoration, and careful conservation, which was to take the next twenty five years, with the car completed in 2002.

Since that time it has been used sparingly for a number of one-day untimed road rallies and circuit demonstrations, including twice at Classic Le Mans, and has covered just 535 miles/850 kms in that time.

A wonderfully preserved and beautifully patinated example this Eleven has UK Road Registration, FIA papers and a FIA Passport. 

Specification

This X1 was restored over a very long period with particular attention to absolute originality:

ageing , wear, perishing  eg bearings, seals, bushes, wires, rubber, rexine covering etc. 

Chassis: this is exactly to the Lotus factory drawing and was fully restored by Arch Motors in the early 1970s once the car had ceased racing. It was reported as having all of its original brackets retained with only tubing replaced. The condition of the chassis today can be  described 'as new'. It is hand-painted in the correct 1950s Lotus battleship grey.  The original alloy under tray and seat back remain, with the remainder chassis alloy chassis renewed owing to damage or excessive modification.

Body panels: the late 1950s Williams and Prichard  body is in a lightweight 20 gauge with many colours showing the history under the current Sky Blue cellulose paint. There is a very small bonnet bulge for some time clearance of a Ford 1172 cc side valve engine distributor and there are front inlet ducts to cool the discs. A central filler cap hole (now blanked) indicates fitment of a long distance full width fuel tank at some period. Optional bucket seats are fitted.

Windscreen: this is late 1950s original White and Ellerton manufacture and is of the two-seater Appendix C type.

Engine: 1460 cc Stage 3 FWB Coventry Climax single cam with original automotive head and block castings. DCOE Webber carburettors are fitted. Correct angled sump. Rebuilt by Charlie Hunter with all relevant items crack tested and balanced. New liners and pistons plus all new items subject to wear or corrosion. A period design cool air box is fitted. Maximum short-term rpm has been limited 7000 after a break-in period. The engine shows no signs of unusual oil consumption or oil breather problems.

Gearbox; original Austin A30 rear case casting and gear lever. Brand new Sprite close ratio straight cut bulkring gears in a later strengthened gear case, cut to suit the Climax. Borg and Beck Clutch is to original Climax racing specification. Gearbox is mounted with a new original pattern circular rubber grommet with an original sheet metal bracket riveted to the alloy tunnel.