Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Lotus 23B
s/n Unknown
Old English White with Red Interior

The Lotus 23 is part of a long tradition of Lotus’ giant-killing successes against much larger and more powerful cars. By using lightweight designs, the cars were oftentimes extremely competitive against cars like Jaguars and Ferraris, which had many multiples of the power output provided by the Lotus. The 23B variant received the twin cam engine in place of the smaller Coventry Climax units, and it was this car that Jim Clark drove away from the field at the Nurburgring 1000km in 1962. By the end of the first lap, he was leading the Porsches and Ferraris by 27 seconds, and his lead grew with each lap until a broken exhaust manifold forced Clark to retire.

This particular Lotus 23 has been with the current owner for over a decade. Its history is known back to at least 1981 when it was purchased out of the US from Michael Gue’s Essex Motorsports by Peter Bloore. There is no chassis plate, or Arch motors number on the frame, so the frame may have been remade here in the US during its period racing life, and there is no way to attribute an particular history to the car, as it is not known. By 1981 it had received 23C style updates, and was fitted with an angular, modernized body. The car was ultimately purchased and restored in 2001 by the present owners, Dick and Ollie Crosswaite. The restoration work performed was very comprehensive, involving every cosmetic and mechanical aspect of the car. All work performed and parts used were absolutely top rate. The engine was rebuilt by Quorn Engine Developments, and dyno sheets (and records) showing 188 hp are on file, as are photos detailed the pre-restoration car on its arrival in the UK. As part of the restoration work the modernized body was removed and discarded. New suspension arms were sourced from Central Engineering Design Ltd. The Hewland transaxle currently fitted is that which was in the car when exported to the UK in 1981, and has since been rebuilt. The car has done three historic race weekends since restoration, one of which was the prestigious Monterey Historic Reunion.

In keeping with its minimal use since restoration, today the car boasts an absolutely beautiful, fresh presentation. The body, chassis, and running gear are all in top condition. The body shows no previous repairs, and has a high quality, and very fitting Old English white finish applied. The chassis is beautifully done in industrial grey, with zero previous repairs evident. This example is correctly detailed with Smiths gauges, Lucas headlamps, cast magnesium wobbly wheels by Tony Thompson Racing, and has been fitted with a cold air intake box for improved performance. Currently this example sits on Dunlop L series tires.

Included in the sale is the invoice and correspondence relating to the purchase from Michael Gue in 1981, pre-restoration photos of the car as sold in 1981, records relating to the restoration works, and HTP paperwork issued by MSA (showing the car as a 1965 year of production, and listing it as s/n “23-S-161”).


This is a great opportunity to acquire a turnkey example of a well developed and restored Lotus 23B for historic competition. While the early history (and attributable chassis number) are unknown, the quality and freshness of the restoration efforts will surely appeal to the competition-minded historic racing driver looking for a front running car.

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