The anticipation builds for the upcoming Bonhams auction in Monaco on May 10th, where an illustrious piece of Formula 1 history will take center stage. Among the coveted lots to be featured is the very first Lotus Formula 1 car, a symbol of motorsport innovation and excellence.
Originating from the era when Team Lotus reigned supreme in the Formula 1 arena, this legendary car, chassis number 353, carries with it the legacy of the iconic Lotus founder Colin Chapman. During its active years from 1957 to 1959, the Lotus 12 graced the tracks of both Formula 1 and Formula 2, showcasing its versatility and pioneering design.
Steering into the limelight for its debut at the 1957 BRDC International Trophy, the Lotus 12 marked a historic milestone as it took its first steps onto the Silverstone circuit. This momentous occasion not only signaled the emergence of Lotus in Formula 1 but also introduced the world to the talents of racing legend Graham Hill, setting the stage for his illustrious career.
The Lotus 12 further etched its name in history by participating in the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix of 1958, becoming the first Lotus car to compete in the official Formula 1 championship. Despite its modest racing record, including a couple of second-place finishes in Formula 2 races, the Lotus 12 remains an enduring testament to Chapman’s visionary ethos of “simplify, then add lightness.”
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Lotus 12 embodies Chapman’s engineering brilliance, boasting a featherweight chassis constructed from aircraft aluminum. Powering this agile machine is a Coventry Climax inline-4 engine, delivering 141 horsepower in its Formula 2 configuration, and mated to a 5-speed sequential gearbox with a distinctive left-hand straight-line shift pattern.
Following its racing tenure, chassis number 353 set out on a journey through the hands of privateer racers and enthusiasts before finding its way into the possession of its current owner, Mike Bennett. Under Bennett’s stewardship, the car underwent a meticulous restoration, preserving its historic significance and ensuring its legacy endures.
As the auctioneer’s gavel prepares to fall, anticipation mounts for the sale of the first Lotus Formula 1 car. With Bonhams estimating a price range of $310,000 to $420,000, the value of this iconic racing machine transcends mere monetary figures, holding an intrinsic worth that resonates deeply with dedicated Lotus enthusiasts around the globe.
