Jay, I watched this several times because it was so interesting. Loved the innovative and dual-use practicality of your Lotus XI Club. I also appreciated the link to Frank Costin - what a brilliant man. As the former owner/driver/racer of a Costin plywood racecar (1962 Marcos GT Gullwing, ex-Minoprio), I see the same aerodynamic influences from Mr. Costin. Thank you for taking the time to document your fascinating car!
I'm delighted to have been introduced to this - I've been a Lotus driver for 35 years, but the 11 has never attracted me - until now! Thank you. Enjoy!
True, and both types of engine were fitted to S-2 Elevens where the engine bay is slightly longer. These alternate engine fitments will be looked at in the S-2 video to come.
It’s an interesting question. In the video at 4:35 I purposely say “all Lotus Elevens were right-hand-drive” because some sellers have claimed their LHD replicas were genuine, Lotus-built cars. Of course the originals weren’t but someone making a replica may want an LHD alternative. The trouble with this starts in the original design with the Climax engine being canted 10 degrees to the left and a few degrees of left offset. The space beneath the exhaust manifold is very tight where the brake cylinders and steering column would need to fit. The starter would need to be moved and different steering rack would also be needed. All doable but probably never considered at the works in London. A few years later with the type 14 Elite Lotus offered an LHD option, but there the Climax engine sits straight up. It still gets very crowded on the left hand side of the engine bay.
Thoughtful,informative, comprehensive, measured voice-over, and ….poetic
Jay, I watched this several times because it was so interesting. Loved the innovative and dual-use practicality of your Lotus XI Club. I also appreciated the link to Frank Costin - what a brilliant man. As the former owner/driver/racer of a Costin plywood racecar (1962 Marcos GT Gullwing, ex-Minoprio), I see the same aerodynamic influences from Mr. Costin. Thank you for taking the time to document your fascinating car!
I'm delighted to have been introduced to this - I've been a Lotus driver for 35 years, but the 11 has never attracted me - until now! Thank you. Enjoy!
Jay, thanks so much for taking the time to make this great video. I really enjoy it every time I watch it.
Nice job,
Extremely well put together and engaging story
Can't wait for the next one! This inspires me to finish my Elan!
Respect to you for not shoving a v8 in it?
Actually, a Buick or Olds aluminum V8 is an attractive choice, as is a MoPar 170 aluminum slant 6...
True, and both types of engine were fitted to S-2 Elevens where the engine bay is slightly longer. These alternate engine fitments will be looked at in the S-2 video to come.
Why no mention of 3 time SCCA national champion Frank Baptista Sr driving a Lotus 11 and also drove the same Lotus 11 Sterling Moss drove?
What we call the "Monza Eleven" will be mentioned in the LeMans video to come, and eventually have a video devoted to it.
"Stirling Moss".
Hard to believe that neither Chapman nor the American importers were smart enough to develop a left-hand-drive version.
It’s an interesting question. In the video at 4:35 I purposely say “all Lotus Elevens were right-hand-drive” because some sellers have claimed their LHD replicas were genuine, Lotus-built cars. Of course the originals weren’t but someone making a replica may want an LHD alternative. The trouble with this starts in the original design with the Climax engine being canted 10 degrees to the left and a few degrees of left offset. The space beneath the exhaust manifold is very tight where the brake cylinders and steering column would need to fit. The starter would need to be moved and different steering rack would also be needed. All doable but probably never considered at the works in London.
A few years later with the type 14 Elite Lotus offered an LHD option, but there the Climax engine sits straight up. It still gets very crowded on the left hand side of the engine bay.