We are nearly finished preparing the 23b in readiness for a final shakedown at the end of August. The car will come with a report on the condition of the car from a race car preparation business and a new FIA HTP. We will happily take a part exchange against this fabulous race car.

The Lotus 23 was designed by Colin Chapman as a nominal 2 seater race car for the FIA Group 4 racing of the early 1960’s. Unlike its predecessors the 15 and 17 the engine is mounted amidship behind the driver similar to the Lotus 19.

In 1962 the 23B arrived with the gear lever moving from the centre to right hand side of the cockpit. More structural rigidity tubing was added to take the torque of the 1600 Twin Cam Cosworth refined unit mated to the Hewland MkIV 5 speed gearbox. This configuration proved to make the 23B a giant killer in the true Colin Chapman style. A giant killer of the 1960’s and the same today.

Our research on the history of this 23b through the Historic Lotus Register of the 23 leads us to understand that the car was exported to South Africa as a ‘knockdown kit’ and built up and raced in South Africa before coming back to the UK in the early 1980’s. This often happened with all makes of car entering South Africa to avoid Trump like tariffs and import duties. Manufacturers would export the cars as a kit of parts which were assembled avoiding the tax for importing a finished car. The similarity to USA under Trump is 2025 is exactly as this was in the 1950’s and 60’s in South Africa. As such the car does not carry a UK built chassis number rather a Historic Lotus Register given number to track its import back to the UK. As such in the HLR it is known as an AMBER status car with extensive known history but not an original Lotus built car. Green being a car that has its original chassis etc and red being essentially a replica

Returning in the early ’80’s and raced extensively with Legends Racing before being sold to the present Portuguese owner in 2006, this 23B presents a rare chance to own a piece of Lotus history that is eligible for Goodwood and so many other race series where it competes and beats a lot of more expensive and powerful cars. In the very image Colin Chapman loved and would still love today. Buy the car now and have it ready for the 2024 season. The car is sold with several sets of spare wheels and and a zero hours differential. The car has also been checked over and prepared for the track by Nemesis Racing with their invoice for some £2700 on file. Now offered for sale at a very attractive price that recognizes the fact the car will at some point need a refresh of the engine and gearbox which whilst they are working perfectly are not supported by recent paperwork showing attention in the last few seasons. Guards Trophy, Goodwood and other high profile events await the purchaser of this very attractive and competitive 23b.