LOTUS
ELEVEN
A simple, elegant and clever design
AN ICONIC EXAMPLE OF PIONEERING LOTUS DESIGN AND TIMELESS AUTOMOTIVE STYLE
Lotus production during 1955 had become incredibly hectic, so Lotus agreed that there should be just one basic model available for the coming year. The Eleven was designed and engineered for the 1956 season.
THE START OF A LEGACY
The Lotus type designation due for a new car was Mark XI, but the Press soon latched on to the way "Eleven" rolled off the tongue and, with the added complication that 11 could be confused for ‘2’, Colin decided to dispense with the ‘Mark’ designation.
THE ELEVEN WAS THE SMOOTHEST LOTUS YET
The production cycle of the Eleven marked a significant transition for Lotus. The brand effectively transitioned from a small engineering and manufacturing team to recognised Le Mans winners and Formula One champions.
CONTINUING DEVELOPMENTS
Major features were carried over from the new Type 12 single-seater to the Series 2 Eleven. These included a new wishbone front suspension design and the option of magnesium Wobbly Web wheels which gave a useful reduction in un-sprung weight.
TOO FAST TO RACE
In September 1956 a streamlined Eleven driven by Stirling Moss set a class speed record of over 217kph at the Monza circuit in Italy. The Eleven would be considered by race organisers around the world as giving an unfair advantage (i.e. “too fast to race”!).
FUTURISTIC LOOKS AND PROVEN RACING PEDIGREE
Over five decades later, the Lotus 2-Eleven and 3-Eleven would come to inherit the Eleven name, and paid tribute to their early predecessor with an updated open-top design that prioritised aerodynamic performance on the racetrack.
ELEVEN STATISTICS
Lotus Type No: 11
Year of production 1956
Volume 166
Engine 1,098cc, 4-cylinder
Power output 45bhp
Transmission 4-speed
Weight 462kg
Lotus Type No: 11
Year of production 1957-1959
Volume 104
Engine 1,460cc, 4-cylinder
Power output 1,05bhp
Transmission 4-speed
Weight 478kg
SPECIAL
EDITIONS