In a message dated 10/13/99 1:08:42 PM Central Daylight Time,
mikec@dial.drakken.com writes:
<< Most fun that I've driven is the Mark Six. I think an Eleven would
feel much the same, and go a bit faster - >>
The experience driving a Series Two Eleven LeMans compared to a Mark Six is
almost as different as driving an original Elan and the M100.
The Six had a fairly robust frame, and most originally had running gear which
consisted of 35 horsepower Ford Side-valve engine, 3 speed box, cable brakes,
3" x 16" steel wheels, a torque tube and live rear axle and front swing axle.
Although a delight to drive, they were never close to being the fastest car
on the track during their era (1953-56)
The Series Two Eleven, on the other hand was one of the quickest cars of its
time, even though it was a small displacement sportsracer. It had a minimal
tube frame covered by a very advance aerodynamic body, a 100+ horsepower all
alloy racing engine, wishbone front and DeDion rearend, all disc brakes, 4
speed box and alloy wobblies. Even today, those cars will run at the front of
a pre-sixties grid.
Now to the best cars:
Best road car: Original Lotus Elan. Close call as to whether the Series Two
or Sprint is better. The Series Two looks better because of the side
windows, but the Sprint was the ultimate development.
Best Sportsracer: Lotus 23B (although the 19 was probably the most
successful).
Best Front-engined Sportsracer: Lotus 15 (but boy is it expensive to buy and
maintain)
Best single seater: Lotus 25, 33, 49, 72 and 78/9 are milestones, but I
would pick the Lotus 29 mule with the symmetric suspension and Collati 5
speed. Handling of the monocoque 25 and 33 with Ford V-8 power. It is a
shame there was no Formula Libre road race for the 29 Indy car at that time.
It would have been a killer setup.
David Whiteside
Lotus VI, VIII, X, Eleven, 14, 17, 22, 30
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