Autosport Vehicle Inventory

--British Racing Green with Lotus Racing Team livery with Red interior, Fully Restored and Sorted, Excellent Provenance, former owners Brian Redman and Bob Snodgrass.

The brilliant Colin Chapman was famed for the innovative sports racing cars built by his company, Lotus. The Lotus 23 sports racer was one such example.

Powered and drivetrain: 1,600 CC Inline 4-Cylinder Twin-Cam Engine with Twin 2-Barrel Weber DCOE Carburetors, Approximately 187 BHP at 5,900 RPM, 5-Speed Hewland Mark IV Manual Transmission, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes and Coil Spring Independent Suspension.

Sold new in the UK to a Mr. W. Bradshaw in November 1962, it was raced in the UK and Europe until the early 1980s. Then imported to the US where it was owned by Brian Redman and Bob Snodgrass of Brumos Racing. Bobby Rahal’s father, Mike, purchased the car from Brumos in 1986 and began to use it regularly in vintage racing events. Mike Rahal was no stranger to the track and his son’s career was in no small measure due to the exposure the young Bobby had to his father’s extensive SCCA racing.

Ed Henning of Charleston, South Carolina, bought the Lotus from Mike Rahal through Brumos in 1988. After a few seasons campaigning, Mr. Henning decided to give the the Lotus a comprehensive restoration. In 2000 the work was entrusted to Keith Mastriforte’s shop, Special Cars Only in Oldsmar, Florida. The restoration began in July 2001 when Mr. Henning tragically lost his life in an accident. In 2006 Mrs. Henning, a vintage race enthusiast herself decided to recommence the restoration. Finished in 2008, the two years of intensive work is fully documented in receipts and photographs.

This 23B remains in stunning condition, prepared to an exceptional cosmetic level with mechanical preparation equal to its appearance. At the conclusion of the work, Brian Redman gave the 23B a shakedown run at Roebling Road Raceway. Stepping out of the car he stated it was “...set up perfectly.” Proving that it also had beauty, it was shown at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

Today, this 23B is still as it emerged from restoration, spotless! With only two hours on the engine past the break-in period, it stands ready to deliver the lively, responsive, aggressive thrill on the road for which these cars are renowned.

Call John For Interest/Pricing

 

Harris your pops owned this? Pretty cool chime in bud!