Lotus Eleven
| lotus | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Eleven | |
| Production period: | 1956-1958 |
| Class : | race car |
| Body versions : | Roadster |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 1.1–1.5 liters |
| Length: | 3500 mm |
| Width: | 1500 mm |
| Height: | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2200 mm |
| Empty weight : | 412-450 kg |
| Previous model | Lotus X |
| successor | Lotus 17 |
The Lotus Eleven was a racing car model that was built by Lotus in various variants between 1956 and 1958. Later versions, built in 1958, are sometimes referred to as the Lotus 13, although this is not an official name. A total of about 270 copies were made.
Development and technology
The Lotus Eleven with its aerodynamic aluminum body developed by Frank Costin was built in the Hornsey plant from 1956. The body was based on the tubular space frame designed by Colin Chapman . In 1957, the old articulated front axle, a typical feature of the first Lotus models, was replaced by a wheel suspension with wishbones, which significantly improved stability and driving characteristics.
This model was offered in three versions:
- Le Mans model as a single-seater with a 1.1 or 1.5 I Coventry Climax engine, De Dion rear axle , disc brakes and various gear ratios in the axle drive
- Club model as a two-seater with a rigid rear axle, drum brakes and a Coventry Climax engine with a smaller displacement
- Model Sport as a two-seater with a rigid rear axle, drum brakes and a 1172 cm³ Ford engine with side valves was more economical, smaller and cheaper than the other models.
The low air resistance of this model was shown in Monza, where an XI touring car, which only had a plexiglass dome over the driver's seat, covered a lap at 230 km / h and drove 221 km in one hour. Furthermore, the Eleven consumes an average of 8.7 l / 100 km at 161 km / h thanks to its good aerodynamics.
Replica
From 1984 to 1988 the manufacturer Westfield sold the Westfield XI, a replica kitkar. Westfield has had the popular model in its range again since 2004.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ^ Westfield XI Details & Price List . Westfield Sportscars. Retrieved November 7, 2008.