RaceCraft Restored: LeMans-Spec 1957 Lotus Eleven

This 1957 Lotus Eleven (Chassis 256) is said to be one of the 91 examples built to LeMans-spec trim, and was completely disassembled for a cosmetic restoration by RaceCraft, whose work we have featured here many times before. The original factory build card indicates the car is a genuine example, while details like the de Dion rear suspension and inboard Girling disc brakes give it away as well. The car has been professionally maintained, and the seller indicates the car is completely fresh and ready for the track. Find this one here on eBay in Woodinville, Washington with reserve unmet.

The body has been painted to match the 1957 Road and Track cover model, although it is pointed out that the R&T car is chassis number 214. The frame has been sandblasted and powdercoated, while a new aluminum floor has been fitted, and the work appears to be well executed, and all surfaces look satisfyingly clean. The car wears the original Dunlop knock-off hub wire wheels, and the body wears a high-quality repaint that still looks fresh.


The interior shows new upholstery, including the head rests, seats, dashboard, and leather steering wheel wrap in a dark blue shade that matches the center stripe on the body. The custom-built coilover suspension has been dialed in to exhibit ideal handling characteristics, so we know the harnesses likely work well. Once you’re tucked in to the snug cockpit, we can imagine the view over the long hood, framed by the undulating hips over the front wheels, must be exhilarating.

The 1490cc FWB Coventry Climax engine was rebuilt by Hutton Motor Engineering, and has approximately 6 hours of runtime since the rebuild. As fitted to the Lemans spec cars, the de Dion rear suspension with inboard brakes has a rebuilt rear differential using a new correct magnesium housing from Crosthwaite and Gardiner. All studs, nuts, bolts and various fasteners are said to be of aircraft quality, and looks clean and essentially new. We wish more cars were built with tubular space frames, as accessing the mechanicals looks like a breeze.

With so many reproductions in the field, it’s refreshing enough to find the real thing, let alone a race-ready example that’s ready for a driver. This is one of the nicest builds