1956 Lotus 11 #226

The oldest car in our shop at the moment, the Lotus 11 was the car to beat for years in what was an extremely competitive sports racer class in the late 1950s. Due to its low weight, simple design, low drag, and balanced handling, the Lotus 11 racked up wins in multiple displacement classes and was successful in races as large as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Series 1 cars like this one feature split beam front suspension from a 1930s-era Ford, and this car features 4-wheel disc brakes and De Dion rear suspension due to its Le Mans trim level. With an Elva MkIV and a Lola Mk1 also racing at our shop, there will be racing just like when these cars were new!


Engine

• 1,460cc Coventry Climax FWB
• 135bhp, 6,500rpm redline
• Dual 40mm Weber DCOE carburetors, bored to 43mm
• Billet crankshaft, steel rods, forged pistons
• All-aluminum construction


Drivetrain

• 4-speed Austin Healey Sprite close-ratio, straight-cut dogbox
• Aluminum transmission case
• Austin Healey Sprite differential with Lotus magnesium case
• 3.9:1 final drive


Body/Chassis

• Fiberglass nose and tail with aluminum tub and doors
• Round-tube spaceframe chassis design
• Total weight: ~900lbs without driver


Brakes/Suspension

• Coilover suspension at all four corners
• Split beam front suspension with trailing arms
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Dunlop aluminum calipers
• Lotus-designed De Dion rear suspension