HIGHLIGHTS
- Accurate Xanthos reproduction of the Lotus 23b
- Powered by a quick 1,137cc Honda Blackbird engine
- Fully documented build history at a cost of over £28,000
- Very low miles since completion
- Adaptable for road, track or competition use
- Comes with Brian James trailer
THE APPEAL
Colin Chapman’s Lotus 23 was a purpose-built race car geared up for FIA group 4 racing in 1962. Originally designed for 750-1300 cc engines, the low lightweight tubular chassis and aerodynamic body produced an amazing power to weight ratio.
For the ’63 season, several structural and mechanical changes were made and the larger capacity Lotus Twin-Cam 1.6-litre Cosworth power-plant was fitted, making this iconic race car even more potent and a highly successful racer.
This amazing and accurate recreation is by Xanthos Sports Cars and uses the same design as the 1960’s original. Fully documented, it was skilfully built from the chassis up by the first owner over a number of years and is currently set up for track day use.
Built to a high standard of finish, the car incorporates design features such as headlights, indicators, hazard warning lights, a fog light, horn and road silencer, meaning it could be road registered with minor efforts. It could also be easily adapted for out-and-out competition use - Hillclimbs and Sprints spring to mind.
Insert the ignition key and flick up the aircraft-style starter switch and the Honda Blackbird engine bursts into life. With around 170 bhp on tap, the owner describes it as …“lively, even with only light use of the throttle”.
The car has only been driven by the current owner on one half track day at Goodwood race circuit, where it performed well. However being over 6’ tall, he admits that this fantastic sports car would ideally suit a slightly shorter driver due to the roll hoop height - hence the sale.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Built by the first owner
- The current owner purchased it in April 2022 from the second owner.
- Two extensive box files
- Xanthos literature
- Concise build notes from day one (see photos)
- Around 120 parts invoices
- Build photo history on USB
- Bespoke wiring diagram
- 2 keys
THE INTERIOR
- Minimal race car set up
- Moto-Lita leather-bound steering wheel
- Clear undamaged wraparound screen
- Lotus/Honda tachometer with recall
- Smith temperature and oil pressure gauges
- Right hand gear-lever with Lotus wooden gear knob
- Central convex Racetec mirror and side bullet mirror
- Racing seat with in date Schroth 4-point harness
- Electrical cut-off switch
- Lifeline handheld 1.75-litre fire extinguisher
- There is a matching spare passenger seat included but not currently fitted
THE EXTERIOR
- Originally painted in Lotus Green
- Repainted Old English White around five years ago
- Striking twin red stripes
- Some pimple blistering to the bonnet
- The fibreglass body is in great condition
- Some minor crazing in a few discreet places
- Excellent headlights, indicators, rear lights and reflectors
- Drop-down doors
- Aircraft grade aluminium or stainless steel fasteners throughout
- Bronze welded tubular steel frame
- Great gold painted Compomotive alloys
- Virtually new set of Yokohama Advanced A052 tyres
THE MECHANICS
Just some of the comprehensive mechanical specification:
- Full mechanical build history from 2002 to 2011
- Honda Blackbird engine built to ‘as new’ specification in 2002
- Twin-cam 1,137 cc producing around 170 bhp @10,000 rpm
- Honda Blackbird running gear
- 6-speed sequential Nova transmission / Pace dry sump system
- Davis Craig digitally controlled electric water pump system
- Radtec aluminium radiator and Laminova oil/water cooler
- New Pipercross air filter
- Swirl pot and oil catch tank
- Quaife QBA2R LSD
- Exact replica suspension, interchangeable with the originals
- Rose jointed suspension with Avo adjustable coilovers
- Alcon calipers
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- Very few running hours and last oil service in 2022
- The owner confirms that it “runs as it should with no known faults’
A suitable twin-axle Brian James trailer is also included in the sale and appears to be in good shape with a hand winch, undamaged lights and decent looking tyres.
SUMMARY
A worthy recreation of a classic Lotus legend, this superbly designed featherlight performer is in great condition and has clearly been expertly put together with committed passion.
At a build cost of around £28,000 in parts, plus hundreds of man hours, this exhilarating Lotus 23B recreation should be a whole lot of fun for a very reasonable outlay.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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