Lotus Eleven
The Lotus Eleven is a track car designed by the British manufacturer Lotus for endurance and sprint small cars.
Lotus have abandoned the numbering "Mark" the Eleven ("eleven") takes over the Lotus Mark IX. It will be replaced by the Lotus 17 small cars and the Lotus 15 in bigger cars.
The Eleven chassis steel mesh tubes coated with a thin aluminum body. The motor is disposed to the front, the rear wheels being drive. Depending on the version, the rear suspension is independent type suspension De Dion or rigid. The front axle, it is independent in each case. The sportiest versions (Le Mans 1500 cm ³) have 4 disc brakes Girling, cheapest drums. Very light, it weighs a total About 450kg.
Mechanical Coventry Climax FWA 1 098 cm ³ produce between 75 and 85hp and FWB 1460cc 100hp. There will be a road version with a rustic Ford engine side valve of 1172cc and only 36hp, with a windshield and wipers.
In 1957 appears the series 2 which has high chassis enhancements to better support the extra power of the engine competition Coventry Climax FPF of 1475cc and backed by more than 140hp. The front shows the geometry of the bunk Lotus 12 Formula 2 triangles.
In 1956 and 1957, the Eleven wins the 1100cc class at Le Mans. In 1957, she won by 750 cm ³ and the performance index with a small Coventry Climax FWC 744 cm ³. Eleven a 1100cc even ended fourth overall in the event of Sebring 1957.
The Lotus Eleven was a great technical and commercial success for the young brand Lotus.
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