Lotus Elite Competition Coupe – Ex Innes Ireland

Gifted to Innes Ireland as part of his Formula One contract with Lotus

Extensive history file with period photographs and documentation

Double entrant to the Goodwood Tourist Trophy

Raced frequently throughout Europe in period

Recent 2-year comprehensive restoration

Eligible for Goodwood Revival, Member’s Meeting, and other historic racing events

Furlonger are pleased to offer this Lotus Elite Competition Coupe, originally gifted to F1 driver Innes Ireland in 1960 as part of his Formula One contract with Team Lotus, and personally handed over to him by Colin Chapman (Photographs present with history file). Chassis no. 1182 has recently undergone a 2-yeear comprehensive ground-up restoration by respected specialist Hawker Racing, and has formed part of one of the finest car collections in the U.K.

1960 proved a successful year for Team Lotus in Formula One, with Innes Ireland securing 3 podiums in the all-new Lotus Type 18. Ireland used the Elite strictly as a road car to commute to races and press events, further establishing the Lotus brand’s ability to produce both race cars and road cars. After a year of ownership, the Elite was sold to an RAF pilot and amateur driver, Tom Threfall, who had previously purchased a Lotus Eleven from Ireland. Threlfall was relatively new to the world of racing, having started in an MGA in 1958. The car was originally prepared to stage 3 tune for racing and was later fitted with uprated suspension, a NACA bonnet duct and long-range fuel tanks.

Between 1961 and 1963, Threfall successfully campaigned chassis no. 1182, racing all around Europe and securing podiums at Spa, Brussels, Snetteron, Silverstone, Castle Coombe, and Charterhall. In a letter written by Threfall to a future owner he reminisces about beating three works Porsches to secure his podium finish at Spa in 1961. Further, the Lotus Elite would go on to race at both the 1962 and 1963 Tourist Trophies at Goodwood against the likes of Graham Hill, Jim Clark, and John Surtees. These races were dominated by Ferrari, coincidently with Innes Ireland at the wheel of an all-new 250 GTO.

This Lotus Elite Competition Coupe would pass through the hands of various enthusiasts and collectors throughout its life, with the most recent owner purchasing the car in 2021. The car has since remained part of one of the U.K.’s finest collections of low production classics, supercars, and historic race cars. The Elite has recently undergone a 2-year nut-and-bolt restoration via marque specialist Hawker Racing, in which no expense was spared.

Now offered for sale, chassis no. 1182 poses an exciting opportunity to own one of Lotus’ most revolutionary road and competition cars, one with exceptional provenance, period racing history, and eligibility for some of the most prestigious historic racing events.