1958 Lotus XI Le Mans Série 2

British title
Chassis no. 515

- One of the 4 Lotus XIs to have raced at Le Mans 24 Hours 1958
- Genuine Le Mans version with exceptional roadholding
- Eligible for the Tour Auto, Le Mans Classic etc.
- Ex-24 Hours of Le Mans 1958

The Lotus XI had its origins in the genius of Colin Chapman and the expertise of Frank Costin, De Havilland's chief aerodynamicist, resulting in an extremely light and quick car with an incredibly low Cd figure. The chassis was built from slender round and square-section tubes; it weighed only 25kg, but was amazingly stiff. The body was made of sheets of aluminium riveted to the chassis. The engine was a 1098cc Coventry-Climax FWA with a single overhead cam and two Weber 40 carburettors. Several versions were offered: the 'Club' with a live rear axle, a Ford side-valve engine and drum brakes; the 'Sport' with the Climax engine; and the 'Le Mans', which had a De Dion rear axle, inboard rear discs and a wraparound windscreen. The Lotus XI immediately won many races on circuits around the world, in the 1100 and 1500cc classes. The biggest challenge, of course, was to win at Le Mans. The critics of this flimsy-looking little car didn't believe it could finish such a race.
In 1956, Chapman decided to enter three Lotus XIs at Le Mans. One of them won its class. The following year, a Lotus XI finished ninth overall, at an average speed of 160kph, and won its class, while another 750cc XI also won its class, as well as the Index of Performance.
In 1958, four Series 2 XIs were entered at Le Mans: two by the factory, a 750cc car by Lotus France and 'Jabby' Crombac, and the last one by the private team Car Exchange in the 1100cc class, driven by Bill Frost and Bob Hicks (racing number 39), closely supported by the factory. It is this car# 515 which we are pleased to present. It is an S2 version, an 85 stage 2 model with the 1098cc Coventry Climax FWA engine. The 1958 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was one of the wettest on record: 55 cars started, but only 20 finished. The Lotus XI # 515 was leading the 1100cc class when, after two hours racing in torrential rain, its driver lost control at Mulsanne, without damaging the car, and abandoned it at the side of the track. An Alfa Romeo Giulietta SV Zagato, which lost control at the same spot, then ran into it. A photograph shows the state of the car after the accident. It was the end of the race for the valiant crew, and only one of the Lotus XIs made it to the finish, the 750cc car entered by the factory. The damaged car is recovered after the accident by the Car Exchange. In the early 80's, it was sold to H. Javetz, in Savannah, Georgia, USA, rebuilt and then returned to racing. It was then acquired by Ed Henning who raced in the SCCA in America. In 1991, it crossed the Atlantic again and was acquired by Mrs. Carol Spagg. It was her a favourite car for many years in historic races in England and Europe. It was sold to the current owner who entered it in the Le Mans Classic in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016, as well as Les Grandes Heures de Montlhéry in 2016 and 2017. It was always scrupulously prepared and maintained, while being kept as original as possible, but it has not raced since 2017 and will therefore require a general overhaul, with particular attention to the hydraulic mechanism for the clutch and to the gear assembly of the MGA-type gearbox. The Climax engine runs very well, without smoking or overheating. The steering, suspension, starter, fuel and electrical systems show no faults. A larger roll cage has been fitted for greater safety, and the wheel nuts are aviation-type forged brass items. It is extremely rare to come across a Lotus XI which competed at Le Mans in period, with an attractive patina and ready to pursue its destiny as a racing car in the hands of an enthusiast who will properly appreciate it. It will, of course, be more than welcome at the next Le Mans Classic.

Photos © Philippe Louzon

The auction of this lot will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1958-lotus-xi-le-mans-serie-2-4134-207