What engine does this 1956 Lotus Eleven LeMans have?

A Coventry Climax 4-cylinder engine of 1097cc, producing 75 hp at up to 8000 RPM.

Who owns and drives this Lotus Eleven?

It is owned by Tony Hart and Joyce White of Moorpark, CA, and driven by Tony Hart.

What suspension and gearbox does the car use?

It has a swing axle front suspension, De Dion rear suspension, an MGA gearbox, and wire wheels with Dunlop tires.

What is the car's history?

It is one of eight wide-body Series One cars built in 1956 at the Lotus Hornsey factory by Colin Chapman and Costin for endurance racing. It was found in Louisiana in 1988, restored in the U.K. by Steve Hart Racing starting in 1989, and sent to California in 2006.

Is this car the 1956 LeMans class winner?

It cannot be confirmed—the serial plate was missing when the car was found in Louisiana, so it has not been possible to verify whether it is the 1956 class winner that disappeared after the 24-Hours of LeMans.

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1956 Lotus Eleven LeMans Spec Placard - Rolex Monterey Historic Races

1956 Lotus Eleven Lemans show spec card with owner and engine data

Display spec card for a 1956 Lotus Eleven Lemans listing owner, class, cylinders, RPM and HP at a historic race event.

AI caption October 2008 · Photo 0 of 5000

This document is a display placard from the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races (presented by Toyota, 50th year) describing a 1956 Lotus Eleven LeMans race car. It lists the car's specifications: owned by Tony Hart and Joyce White of Moorpark, CA, driven by Tony Hart, manufactured by Lotus of London, England, with a Coventry Climax 4-cylinder engine (1097cc induction, 75 hp, 8000 RPM), MGA gearbox, swing axle front suspension, De Dion rear suspension, wire wheels with Dunlop tires, running as car number 36 in HMSA class B 2. The historical background explains this is one of eight wide-body Series One cars built at the Lotus Hornsey factory in 1956 by Colin Chapman and Make [sic] Costin for endurance racing. Found in Louisiana in 1988, it was returned to the U.K. in 1989 for restoration by Steve Hart Racing to original factory condition, verified by F.I.A. inspections. It came to California in 2006 and has raced at Wine Country Classics, Pacific Raceways, and Portland International Raceway. Because the serial plate was missing when found, it cannot be confirmed whether this is the 1956 class winner that disappeared after the 24-Hours of LeMans; an investigation into its American history was underway.

This document covers 1956, which may differ from this 1998 Ford Crown Victoria.

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Frequently asked questions

What engine does this 1956 Lotus Eleven LeMans have?: A Coventry Climax 4-cylinder engine of 1097cc, producing 75 hp at up to 8000 RPM.
Who owns and drives this Lotus Eleven?: It is owned by Tony Hart and Joyce White of Moorpark, CA, and driven by Tony Hart.
What suspension and gearbox does the car use?: It has a swing axle front suspension, De Dion rear suspension, an MGA gearbox, and wire wheels with Dunlop tires.
What is the car's history?: It is one of eight wide-body Series One cars built in 1956 at the Lotus Hornsey factory by Colin Chapman and Costin for endurance racing. It was found in Louisiana in 1988, restored in the U.K. by Steve Hart Racing starting in 1989, and sent to California in 2006.
Is this car the 1956 LeMans class winner?: It cannot be confirmed—the serial plate was missing when the car was found in Louisiana, so it has not been possible to verify whether it is the 1956 class winner that disappeared after the 24-Hours of LeMans.