Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Lotus 23B
s/n 23-S-102
Yellow with Blue Stripe

Revered by racing enthusiasts worldwide, the Lotus 23 still reigns as one of the most successful racecars of the period. Competing against larger and more powerful cars, the lightweight design, low profile, and robust engines, taunted Jaguars and Ferraris at competition events all over the world. At the 1962 Nurburgring 1000km, Jim Clark piloted his 23B, updated with the twin cam engine in place of the smaller Coventry Climax unit, to a 27 second lead over Porsches and Ferraris. His unrelenting lead growing to 27 seconds, finally a broken exhaust manifold poured fumes into the cabin, forcing Clark to retire. Still the Lotus 23B would go on to achieve astonishing wins in period and for decades after. Indeed their timeless lightweight design, mid engine, low profile and durability assured not only their place in racing history, but as highly desirable vintage racecars chosen today.

According to the Lotus Spec Sheet, this particular car, s/n 23-S-102, was completed March 1964. Having been delivered new to Belgium, Fantasy Junction had the opportunity to sell this example to Carl Moore in 2003 on behalf of another West Coast competitor and long-time customer of Fantasy Junction. While an Arch Motors number stamping has never been located on the chassis, s/n 23-S-102 has never been the subject of any authenticity debate nor duplicate chassis number claims. With Mr. Moore, a major figure in the historic racing scene, this Lotus 23B spent over a decade regularly competing in premier west coast venues. During the most recent decade, the car has been carefully prepared and raced with CSRG, HMSA, and General Racing under the care of John Anderson Racing. The current owner has spared no expense preparing the car and dedicating professional attention to it with ongoing track support when competing, and with proper service in preparation for the next track event. The Technical Inspection Log Book accompanying the car has over 30 race inspection entries from 2000-2017 for races at Laguna Seca (including the Rolex Reunion in 2017), Sears Point, Thunder Hill, Infineon, and others.

Among the regular service and improvements the car has received over the years, the current owner has additionally spent thousands of dollars over the past two years updating and refining the car in several key areas. In August, 2016 the engine was comprehensively rebuilt by Ivey Engines, Inc. in Portland, Oregon. Ivey did a complete tear down, pressure testing and magging the block, magging the crank, testing the head, and installing a cassette type water pump. The engine was dyno tested (figures and reference data print outs available) and reinstalled in the car. In March, 2017 the car was generally serviced, brakes and clutch bled, and Laguna ratio gears installed. In April 2017, the car was serviced again and the radiator removed and serviced (oil section). In August 2017, the car was brought to the shop and a new nose support section was installed, the chassis re-corner weighted, the suspension parts checked, new uprights installed, cleaning up and reinstalling the steering rack, installing new clevis pins (improving steering and steering links), alignment and set up, and checking all systems for proper fitting and fluids. At this time, a new windshield and new headlight covers were installed and the front section of the car repainted.

Today the car presents beautifully with an excellent finished exterior supported by professionally sorted mechanicals. The paint is very nicely done showing excellent gloss, beautiful color, cleanly detailed stripes and roundels, and proper trim. The body panels exhibit good fit and finish throughout with particularly nice contour lines blending the clear windscreen to the undulating body surfaces. The car has been updated with 23C-type six-lug hubs and wheel centers, and is currently shod with Avon race tires. The chrome roll bar proudly displays many of the track day competition stickers, while various other accents all contribute to the exceptionally strong visual impact of the car.

The clean and well-presented lines and finish of the exterior continue to the interior of the car. The cockpit is tidy and properly sorted with correct instrumentation, nicely finished steering wheel, and competition drivers seat, five-point harness, and suitably trimmed black vinyl passenger seat with lap belt. Details are first rate including beautiful instrumentation, clean floors, proper safety kill switch, and fire suppression plunger. Cohesively prepared and properly set up for racing, this Lotus has been thoughtfully cared for by a dedicated team of racing professionals inside and out.

Raising the front section of the car, the workmanship revealed in the front suspension, frame, and uprights is beautifully finished. All components are in place, clean, and ready for use. Moving to the rear of the car, the engine and engine compartment further display excellent cosmetics and proper hardware both for competition confidence and satisfying aesthetic appeal. The recently replaced air cleaner breathes into twin Weber 45DCOE carburetors feeding the eager 1.6 Liter Lotus twin cam engine. The car is accompanied by dyno sheets with stats on the recent rebuild, records showing the most recent service and repairs, tech inspection log book, and various other documents. A set of spare wheels are also included with the car.

This Lotus 23B represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a turnkey example of a nicely finished and professionally prepared car, ready for historic competition. With robust racing support, club events, and technical community surrounding these cars, this Lotus represents an ideal historic entry to many premier North American and European events, providing years of exciting driving and enjoyable ownership for the next fortunate participant.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608