Lotus Eleven

The Lotus Eleven Series 1 was introduced in 1954 as the first version of the Eleven model. It features a 1.1L Coventry Climax engine producing 75 hp, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. This coupe variant is known for its lightweight construction and exceptional handling, making it a favorite for sports racing. The Series 1 was primarily designed for competition and is distinguished by its simple, aerodynamic design.

The Lotus Eleven Series 2 was introduced in 1956, building upon the success of the Series 1. It retained the 1.1L Coventry Climax engine but introduced a new chassis design that enhanced rigidity and performance. This variant continued to excel in motorsports, featuring improved aerodynamics and a lightweight body. The Series 2 is recognized for its racing lineage and is a sought-after classic among collectors.

The Lotus Eleven Series 3 was launched in 1958 and introduced further advancements in design and technology. It continued to utilize the 1.1L Coventry Climax engine but offered an optional 1.5L version that produced up to 100 hp. This variant is noted for its improved suspension and handling characteristics, making it a formidable contender in racing. The Series 3 solidified the Eleven's reputation as a premier sports car of its time.

The Lotus Eleven 1500 was introduced in 1959, featuring a more powerful 1.5L Coventry Climax engine that produced 100 hp. This variant was designed for serious racers, offering enhanced performance and handling through a lightweight chassis and aerodynamic bodywork. The 1500 distinguished itself with its racing pedigree, achieving notable success in various competitions during its production run.

The Lotus Eleven Le Mans variant was produced specifically for endurance racing, introduced in 1956. It featured a tuned 1.5L Coventry Climax engine that produced approximately 110 hp, optimized for high-speed performance. This variant was designed for the famous Le Mans race, incorporating significant aerodynamic enhancements and a lightweight construction to achieve competitive lap times. Its racing success contributed to the Lotus brand's burgeoning reputation.

The Lotus Eleven 1100 was introduced in 1955, featuring a 1.1L Coventry Climax engine producing around 75 hp. This variant was aimed at privateers and amateur racers, providing an accessible entry into competitive motorsport. With a lightweight design and agile handling, the 1100 quickly became popular in club racing events, showcasing Lotus's commitment to performance and innovation.

The Lotus Eleven 1000 was introduced in 1956 as a lighter variant of the Eleven series. It features a 1.0L Coventry Climax engine producing approximately 95 hp, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. This coupe variant was designed for racing enthusiasts and was notable for its lightweight construction and aerodynamic design, making it ideal for competitive motorsports.

The Lotus Eleven 1100 Le Mans was a special racing variant introduced in 1956, specifically for the Le Mans endurance race. It features an upgraded 1.1L Coventry Climax engine producing 105 hp. This coupe variant was equipped with lightweight bodywork and enhanced aerodynamics, providing improved performance on the track.

The Lotus Eleven 1500 Series 2 was introduced in 1958, featuring a more powerful 1.5L Coventry Climax engine generating around 150 hp. This variant showcased an improved chassis design and handling characteristics, making it a popular choice for both racing and recreational driving.

The Lotus Eleven 1500 Series 3 was launched in 1960 as an evolution of the earlier Series 2. It retained the 1.5L Coventry Climax engine but featured refinements to the suspension and aerodynamics. This variant was celebrated for its superior handling and performance, making it a favorite in racing circuits worldwide.

The Lotus Eleven 1100 Series 1 was introduced in 1955 as a refined version of the original Eleven. It features an 1100 cc Coventry Climax engine producing 75 hp, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. This coupe variant is known for its lightweight construction and excellent handling, making it a popular choice for sports car enthusiasts. It was primarily aimed at racing and was produced in limited numbers.

The Lotus Eleven 1500 Series 1 was introduced in 1955, featuring a 1500 cc Coventry Climax engine that produced approximately 100 hp. This variant showcased improved performance over earlier models and was aimed at both the racing circuit and sports driving. With its lightweight design, it provided exceptional agility and speed, solidifying Lotus's reputation in motorsport during the era.

The Lotus Eleven 1000 Series 2 was launched in 1956, featuring a smaller 1000 cc engine. This variant was designed for those looking for an entry-level sports car with agile handling and performance. Its lightweight construction and simple design made it popular among amateur racers and enthusiasts. The Series 2 included several refinements over the original design to enhance drivability.

The Lotus Eleven 1500 Le Mans was introduced in 1956 as a special variant aimed at endurance racing. Featuring a powerful 1500 cc Coventry Climax engine, it was engineered for high performance and durability on longer races. This model included aerodynamic enhancements and reinforced chassis components to withstand the rigors of competition, making it a favorite among racers.

The Lotus Eleven Series 4 was introduced in 1958, representing the final evolution of the Eleven series. It included updated engineering and design features, primarily focusing on improved aerodynamics and handling. With a range of engine options available, including the familiar Coventry Climax units, it maintained the lightweight ethos while enhancing performance for both road and track applications.