Highlights

One of only 77 Lotus 22s built between 1962 and 1965
Older restoration finished in classic green and yellow Lotus livery
Featured in 1966 film Grand Prix driven by Denny Hulme during filming at Monaco
Well-documented ownership history traceable from new in 1962
1,558cc Lotus Twin Cam engine modified for racing by BRM
Originally supplied to the Jim Russell Racing School
Vast history file of photos, handwritten notes and records

The Appeal

Chapman conceived the Lotus 22 for Formula Junior success. Not surprisingly, it excelled, winning 75% of its European Championship races and going on to compete in Formulas 1, 2 and 3. It proved so successful that it underpinned later Lotus racers from the 23 to the 51.

Just 77 were built between 1962 and 1965 and this one is amongst the earliest. It was despatched new to the Jim Russell Racing School from where its fascinating life began. It’s a history that encompasses racing, films, Carroll Shelby, Denny Hulme and even the Eagle annual.

The vendor has carefully documented the car’s history on a website and through the extensive history file of handwritten notes, emails and photos. In 1965 it was selected by Shelby to appear in the 1966 MGM film Grand Prix. It was one of several Lotus racers chosen to appear. Unlike this one, the others were converted to look like period Ferraris and Hondas. It was driven by ‘67 World Champion Denny Hulme for filming in Monaco.

After filming, the car passed through a well-documented chain of knowledgeable enthusiast owners. Peter Whyte carried out extensive mechanical upgrades, fitting the current Lotus Twin Cam engine — modified for racing by BRM and prepared by Stuart Rolt — along with Weber carburettors and a Hewland gearbox. During David Monument's ownership, the front end was comprehensively refreshed with new components supplied by marque specialist Peter Denty, and the engine was subsequently tuned on a rolling road, producing 126 hp.

The car was last used on track at Llandow circuit in July 2023 and has also been displayed at shows. With its notable film provenance, documented history, and race-ready specification, this Lotus 22 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful and highly regarded historic racer.

Key Information

Mileage: Not applicable (race car)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: Not stated (competition vehicle)
Technical specs: 1,558cc Lotus Twin Cam four-cylinder (modified by BRM), Weber carburettors, Hewland gearbox
Paperwork: MSA Competition Logbook, history file including correspondence and magazine articles documenting the car's provenance

The Detail

Well-detailed green and yellow Lotus livery with matching wheels
Decals include references to Denny Hulme’s drive in 1966
Lotus Twin Cam engine prepared by Stuart Rolt and modified for racing by BRM, replacing the original 1,500cc Cortina/Anglia 109E unit
Engine tuned on a rolling road by Stuart Tucker at Tuning Lab, with output increased from 115 to 126 hp
Weber carburettors and Hewland gearbox installed by Peter Whyte
Front uprights, brake callipers, ball joints, and trunnions replaced with new plated items supplied by Peter Denty
New aluminium callipers and new brake discs fitted
Exhaust manifold and silencer removed and plated
Repainted in Lotus period livery by Peter Denty in 1994
Chassis confirmed by Peter Denty as a Progress Chassis Co build with reinforced rectangular cockpit tubing
Used in one sprint and the vendor states it "performed perfectly"
Last used on track at Llandow circuit in July 2023
Displayed at Powderham show in July 2023
Featured in the Eagle annual 1968

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