The Lotus 11, designed by Colin Chapman and body by aerodynamicist Frank Costin was produced between 1956 and 1958 primarily to run in the small (1100cc) class at LeMans. In that first year, This Eleven was modified by Costin with a bubble top and with a 1500cc Coventry Climax engine, managed a class world record of 143 mph for a lap at Monza driven by Sterling Moss as well as several class victories at LeMans and Sebring.
Thanks Rich, what a fantastic looking car. One of my books on Stirling Moss mentions his record attempt with the Costin bodied Lotus 11.
A bit more on the Monza records bu the Lotus 11.
Lotus made three trips with the Eleven to Monza in Italy to set new closed-course speed records. The first of these was in September 1956, using an 1,100cc production Eleven modified only with additional aerodynamic improvements by Costin. The driver in this attempt was Stirling Moss, who made excellent speed but the full attempt was cut short when the bodywork blew off. Looks too aerodynamic for that to happen but there was high pressure built up under the thin Lotus skin, along with heavy pounding on the rough Monza banking that caused it to rupture. Two other record runs at Monza with other drivers in the Lotus 11 (Mac Frazer and Cliff Allison) in October 1956 and December 1957 set higher world records
Thanks Rich, what a fantastic looking car. One of my books on Stirling Moss mentions his record attempt with the Costin bodied Lotus 11.
A bit more on the Monza records bu the Lotus 11.
Lotus made three trips with the Eleven to Monza in Italy to set new closed-course speed records. The first of these was in September 1956, using an 1,100cc production Eleven modified only with additional aerodynamic improvements by Costin. The driver in this attempt was Stirling Moss, who made excellent speed but the full attempt was cut short when the bodywork blew off. Looks too aerodynamic for that to happen but there was high pressure built up under the thin Lotus skin, along with heavy pounding on the rough Monza banking that caused it to rupture. Two other record runs at Monza with other drivers in the Lotus 11 (Mac Frazer and Cliff Allison) in October 1956 and December 1957 set higher world records
Thank you for filling in the car's back story, David. Very interesting.
