One to Buy: ex-works / Carroll Shelby 1 of 2 1957 Lotus Eleven LM150
Conceived as a more compact replacement for previous models like the Mk9 and Mk10, the Lotus Eleven went on to become arguably the most successful small displacement sports racing car of its era from both a competitive and commercial perspective.
Built between 1956 and ‘58, most Elevens were ordered to contest the under 1100cc class and thus came powered by the formidable Coventry Climax FWA engine. However, such was the little car’s versatility that engines of up to 1500cc were sometimes used by Team Lotus and customers.
Of the myriad variants constructed, commonly regarded as the ultimate incarnation of the Eleven was the LM150 which Lotus created to run the 1500cc Coventry Climax FPF Formula 2 engine in 1957. Just two examples were built: chassis 305 for noted privateer John Coombes and chassis 322 (subsequently re-numbered 332) which was retained for use by Team Lotus.
Today, that Eleven LM150 campaigned by Team Lotus in 1957 is being offered for sale by William I’Anson in Gloucestershire.
The car started life as chassis 322 which Team Lotus entered for Colin Chapman, Herbert Mackay-Fraser and Jay Chamberlain to drive at the Le Mans 24 Hours. However, having broken the 1500cc class record in practice, the engine dropped a valve and unfortunately 322 never made the start.
Afterwards, Mackay-Fraser went on to campaign chassis 322 for Team Lotus at the Spa Grand Prix (seventh overall, first in class) and the Rouen Delamare Deboutville Cup (DNF).
Chassis 322 was then refreshed back the factory, re-numbered 332 and sold to Carroll Shelby under whose stewardship the car continued to race across the Atlantic.
Now restored back to its Team Lotus configuration, chassis 322/332 is presented in concours, race-ready condition.
Reprinted below is William I’Anson’s description:
Ex-Team Lotus
Ex-Carroll Shelby Sports Inc.
Ex-Jim Hall
Chassis Number: 322/332 - See Text
Registration Number: 9 EHX
The LM150 is the ultimate Lotus Eleven. Designed to accommodate the more powerful Coventry Climax 1500cc twin-cam FPF Formula 2 engine. Incredibly rare, only three chassis numbers were produced by the factory, 305, 322 and 332. However, two of those chassis numbers, as you will see below, were most likely located to the same car, this car, 322 and 332.
322 was the Works entry into the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1957 with Colin Chapman, Herbert Mackay-Fraser and Jay Chamberlain and raced by Herbert Mackay-Fraser at Spa Francorchamps, Rouen and Reims in 1957.
Sold to Carroll Shelby Sports Inc. as 332 later in 1957 and raced by Jim Hall of Chaparral fame at Nassau Bahamas Speed Week and Miami in 1958.
Remarkably discovered in time warp condition and beautifully restored back to its former glory while still retaining the original body untouched to posterity.
Winner of the 2017 Madgwick Cup at the Goodwood Revival and winner of Best of Show a the 2021 London Concours.
Publicly for sale for the first time in over 35 years, this is a unique and significant piece of Lotus racing history, on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as offering a highly competitive and eligible entry into a wide array of historic racing events, such as Goodwood and Le Mans Classic to name a few.
