Description
This car is Lot 153 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Sale on 6 February, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Tuesday 4 February from 08:00 until 18:00 and Wednesday 5 February from 9 AM - 6 PM, at The Grand Palais Historique, Paris.
Lot 153
1956 Lotus Eleven Series 1 Sports-Racing Two-Seater
Registration no.
Chassis no. (Historic Lotus Register) XIS1LM20037
Highly desirable 'Le Mans' single-seater specification, formidable in its 1, 100cc class
Ex-Victor Thomas, founder of the Historic Lotus Register; ex-Jacques Naveau
Known, recognized and acknowledged by the Lotus Eleven fraternity
FIA/ FFSA Historic Technical Passport valid until 2031
Eligible for numerous prestigious international events
Offered as a competition vehicle, without registration title
The enduring Lotus Eleven was the 1, 100-1, 500cc racing car that cemented the Lotus Engineering Company Ltd's reputation as a reliable manufacturer of competitive, customer-oriented racing cars under the direction of engineer Colin Chapman. It featured an exceptionally light and rigid tubular space-frame chassis, paired with an aerodynamically advanced body designed by Frank Costin. In its era, the Lotus Eleven was unrivalled within its competition class worldwide. To many enthusiasts, the Lotus Eleven, with its remarkable proportions, represents the pinnacle of small-displacement, front-engine racing cars.
As with many Lotus Eleven cars of the 1950s, assembled from parts kits by Lotus employees or passionate club racers, this particular example lacked an affixed chassis plate when acquired by Victor Thomas in 1978. Thomas, the founder of the Historic Lotus Register (now the Secretary for Lotus Eleven), purchased the car as a restoration project. From the original chassis and central and rear body sections, he restored the car, sourcing the correct Lotus components and tracing its ownership history back to the late 1950s. Previous owners and dealers include M McNamara, Chris Meek, G Baird, Speedsport Tipton (1961), Crossley (Morecombe), Jeremy Broad, Chris Smith, JP Benson (Dorset 1963), Doughty (Dublin), Peter Merrit (Newbury), Clifford, and TD Brown (Bournemouth). After 20 years in Thomas's ownership, the car was sold in 1998 to Jacques Naveau, who subsequently participated in numerous historic racing events with the car.
In more recent years, this Lotus Eleven has competed in a number of prominent classic events on both British and European circuits, including the Stirling Moss Trophy at Silverstone and the Gentleman Drivers race. It was meticulously maintained by Classic Performance Engineering in 2014, at the Rufils workshop from 2016 to 2022, and has been in the care of Pascal de Brito since 2023. Its most recent outing took place at the Nogaro circuit in 2024. The car's excellent competitive results are available, alongside its valid FIA Historic Technical Passport through 2031, and its recent service history. A video showing the car running at the time of cataloguing is available upon request.
Known and identified by the Historic Lotus Register under the number XIS1LM20037, and recognised by the Lotus Eleven community, this car presents a rare opportunity. It is not merely an entry ticket to race on the legendary circuits, but a fully prepared competitor, ready to race at the very start of the next season.
The car is accompanied by numerous spares, including two gearboxes, a full seat, an original steering wheel, period Lucas Le Mans-engraved headlight lenses, wheels, exhaust system, and a range of other parts. Removal of these items will be at the charge of the buyer in the South-West of France.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
