LOTUS 23C Mid engined Supercar for road and track use
HIGHLIGHTS
Very quick road and track car
Built by race engineer from plans supplied by Colin Chapman
Opel Superboss Cosworth 2. 0 litre engine with 188 HP. Built for South Africa Group N homologation purposes this engine held the world record from 1990 for two decades having the most torque per liter (124 NM per liter) until the Ferrari 458 built two decades later. Only 500 of these quick, reliable motors were built for racing for the South African Group N Championship. Spare Lotus Elite motor included.
History of the Lotus 23
Only six Lotus 23C’s were ever built so when the chance came to build a 23C replica, directly based on the original plans and specification supplied by Colin Chapman, an ex-South African Air Force Engineer, and motoring Engineer Philip Smit of Cape Town, couldn’t resist the challenge.
Founding a Motor Engineering workshop in Cape Town catering for racing cars the build of the 23C was started in 1999 and was completed and registered in 2001.
Built to a very high standard using an Opel Superboss engine with a Cosworth head the car produces 188 HP, weighing only 580 Kgs. These statistics add up to a very quick car indeed, quicker than many of todays sports cars with renowned Lotus poise and handling, a car registered for road use, but its true potential and speed will be found on a racetrack.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Built in 1999/ 2001 from original specification drawings supplied by Colin Chapman
Only two owners with the original owner until only recently
Carefully stored and maintained throughout its life with relatively low use and mileage is believed genuine
One of only two 23C type cars currently in South Africa built to a very high standard
Very quick with exceptional handling
Built for performance and agility, the car is very competitive, reliable and economical to run, having just been completely recommissioned during recent months with many new parts and fettling.
THE INTERIOR
Basic race interior with comfortable classic racing seats in good condition overall.
Anti-theft cut-out system installed
Two seats with 4 point belts
Sports carbon fibre steering wheel
Full race harnesses
Aluminium floors
Ignition and fuel cut-out switches
Twin chromed roll bar
Fire extinguisher
Oil pressure gauge
Rev counter
Speedometer
Fuel/ air mixer adjustment
All instruments and switches work
Ready for racing, track and road use
5 speed Porsche 911 gearbox with reverse
A minimal and basic cockpit with all the instruments and equipment you need to get the most out of this Lotus 23C Recreation. All switches and gauges are in good working order and it’s in pretty good all-round condition having been used carefully and infrequently throughout its years. Very low mileage. Only 2405 kms.
The seat has some loose stitching, otherwise presents extremely well for a 22-year-old mid engined road race car that can be driven to the tracks and back home without the need for a tow vehicle and trailer.
THE EXTERIOR
Good condition bodywork with its original painted Lotus Green livery and colours with a few stone chips up front and some inconsequential scratches
White racing stripes and sporting number 9
Aluminium radiator bracket has minor damage
Rear view mirrors
Clear front wind deflector/ screen
15” rims with recent semi-slick track tyres
All lights complete and working
Good condition throughout
Consistently maintained and subject to relatively gentle and infrequent use over the years, the exterior of the car presents very well and certainly looks every inch the racing car that it is.
The Lotus Green livery is original and has a few scratches and imperfections here and there around the fiberglass body but there’s nothing that looks out of shape or badly damaged to be concerned about.
THE MECHANICS
2. 0 litre Opel Superboss engine with Cosworth head
Twin Webers
Performance exhaust manifold
188 HP
Dry-sump oil system
Weight 580 Kgs
Porsche 911 5-speed gearbox
Rose-jointed suspension
Recent battery
Recent recommissioning including full gearbox strip down and rebuild,
New aluminium radiator with new coolant lines and hoses
The car starts easily and runs well with no issues to report. Fully recommissioned and serviced in the last few months this car is ready to drive away and enjoy.
THE SUMMARY
A very well put together Lotus 23C Recreation built from the ground up according to plans and specifications provided by no other than the legendary Colin Chapman himself.
Great looking, great condition, low mileage, very fast and very agile road / race car that is able to be registered for road use or take racing, either way you can be sure of thrills aplenty and countless hours of adrenalin filled motoring fun.
Being true to the Lotus pedigree this lightweight, fast and nimble car is not just a pretty head turner, but has the performance to outrun many more powerful cars.
This mid engined Lotus 23c Recreation is presently road registered and has the advantage of both being driven daily or on weekend on the road as well as on the track. The very low centre of gravity with such a low car, low weight and power to weight ratio that rivals many heavier supercars gives this car exceptional handling, acceleration and enjoyment. It will be difficult to find a car like this that give so much enjoyment, is a beautiful to look at from every angle for similar money.
Shipping
1500 pounds sterling to Southampton RORO roll on roll off
2500 pounds sterling to London Gateway in a 20 foot container.
