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.