Ultra RARE: Colin Chapman's Lotus Eleven + 327 Corvette Stingray 4-speed | Barn Find Hunter
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2024
- Episode 135
In this episode of "Barn Find Hunter," Tom tries to find Cars within walking distance from his vacation home in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Much to his surprise, he is able to find many different makes and models. Tune in to see what he finds.
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SPECIAL THANKS to Lenn Soderlund who designed the new Barn Find Hunter logo you see featured in this episode. Like you, Lenn is an avid Barn Find Hunter fan who took it upon himself to design a logo and send it to us. We loved it so much we made it the new face of the series.
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- Website: lenn.co
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:24 1959 MG A
1:17 Bought it with a Credit Card
1:39 Original Condition
2:48 First rebuild
3:05 Second rebuild
3:30 Why it's parked
4:16 Ferrari 308 GTS
5:01 MG TD
5:11 Bought for $225
5:24 America Love for MG
5:53 Colin Chapman's Lotus Eleven
6:26 Engine: Coventry Climax
7:16 Racing Mille Miglia
7:42 Former Drivers
8:04 How it was purchased
8:25 2022 Mille Miglia
9:09 How Tom found it
10:17 Documentation
11:39 1965 Corvette Stingray
12:54 Why he bought it
15:29 Engine & Specs
15:56 Aftermarket Parts
16:24 Outro
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuilds | Time-lapse engine rebuilds from start to finish bit.ly/RedlineRebuild
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFIndHunter
Jason Cammisa on the Icons | The definitive car review
bit.ly/JasonCammisaICONS
Revelations | Untold Stories About Automotive Legends with Jason Cammisa
bit.ly/JasonCammisaRevelations
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Your comment about Coventry Climax being designed to drive water pumps does not really explain their heritage particularly well. They were actually designed to drive water pumps specifically designed for firefighter use. The reason why they had to be both light weight and highly powerful was on the basis that one of these motors coupled to a water pump was meant to be carried by two firefighters.
They were designed by Wally Hassan of Bentley fame to meet the war time specifications to allow firefighters to combat the blitz during WW II. They were aluminium as steel was not available due to the war not by design.
I have one in my green goddess as the portable pump
I was just about to point that out and then I saw you’d done so already, Bravo!
I dream of your "retirement". Living in such a lovely town with interesting people and beautiful cars. God bless you, bud, so you can keep walking and talking around your town for many more years.
Few years ago, I did a training, in Uk, for sheet metal using an English Wheel. The instructor was the son of one the sheet metal guy making these Lotus 11 and I did the training on one these English wheel that was use to make the Lotus 11 and in the shop ,the instructor was making a new panels for the body on an original chassis of a Lotus 11. This is one of most beautiful car I ever seen. The shape, the design, the proportion of the Lotus 11 is to me stunning. In the shop, there was also a Lotus Climax 25, he made a new nose for this car. By the way, he is also making aluminium bonnets ( hoods) for the Jaguar E type. The instructor was really impressive.
I’m not surprised that Boothbay Harbor has some hidden gems, it is a pretty wealthy area, especially the summer homes. I ride motorcycles all over New England and Upstate New York and my head gets spun around a lot!
Also, as someone recovering from their childhood Boston accent who tends to bristle at the very hint, I have to say that Chris has one of the nicest examples I’ve heard in a long time. Just the right notes on words like “supermarket” without feeling coarse around the edges.
Btw, Tom Cotter is in fact a national treasure. 👑
Tom is back and he's better than ever. 😄
Thank you for this interesting find Tom.
Gregor Grant was the founder and editor of Autosport magazine. This Lotus XI was towed to Italy behind a MG Magnette (that he had entered the previous year...) and he drove the 1957 MM event single handedly, defeated only by a leaking fuel tank (made of magnesium alloy - don't ever try this!) bursting when 90% of the distance had been covered.
Chapter 22 of "The Story of Lotus" by Ian H Smith (MRP) (this part written by GG) is well worth reading! The last recipient of the Gregor Grant award was Sebastian Vettel.
Great bunch of cars in this one. My Dad had a '56 MGA, even though he looked like a circus bear driving it. A Lotus Eleven is one heck of a find! Beautiful, well-preserved, 308 as well.
I'm not sure how I missed this episode but glad I went back through the videos and found it. Loved it!
What Tom didn't mention about the Mille Miglia was that the late Stir Stirling Moss who won the 1955 race in a Mercedes Benz 300 SL, completed the 1000 miles around the Italian Alps and villages in TEN HOURS and FIVE MINUTES!! His average speed was just under 100 mph. He did manage to run off the road and down an embankment but the spectators quickly manhandled it back on the road and he was gone in a flash.
THANK YOU
...beating Fangio who navigated the route by himself.....
Another great barn find hunter episode! I found out about this show roughly a month ago, binge watched like 6 years worth of episodes in that time, and now I have to wait every two weeks for a new episode😭
Bought the MGA when it was 16 years old - I have noticed that classic car bargains happen when the car is 15-20 years old. That’s when everyone around you laughs & says “That’s stupid. That’s just an old junk car!”
If you want to be that guy that has an amazing old classic with an amazing story, then start looking around for 15-20 year old cars.
That Lotus is an historic gem. Tom's rundown of the origins of its Coventry Climax engine didn't get the real juice of it. The company started in Coventry, UK, in the early-20th century, grew into making engines for light cars (Morgan, e.g.) and their own brand of fork-lift trucks. They also made engines for generators and water-pumps, which became very successful as fire-engine pumps. About 1950, they submitted a new design to meet a government brief for a fire-pump engine that pumped twice as much as its predecessor with half the weight - and it had to be able to run at full power from a stone-cold start. The SOHC all-alloy Climax FW ('featherweight') was a huge success, attracting the attention of racecar designers, especially Colin Chapman, and Climax designed the 1.1-litre FWA ('featherweight automotive') for them - that's the engine in this Lotus XII (although the video suggests it may have been replaced with the later 1.5-litre FWB). A Climax 2.5-litre powered Jack Brabham's Cooper to the 1959 Formula 1 World Championship. From water-pumps to all-conquering F1 engines in just nine years.
Cool story!
Even today, for low mass and high power, they're an impressive engine, add EFI and they'd be competitive in many classes today.
@@PiDsPagePrototypes I'm sure that's right. In race tune, back in the day, the 1.2 litre was rated at 100-105 bhp on twin Webers.
@@shanehnorman The larger engines were close to double that. Add high performance ignition and EFI, and the 2.5 F1 engines would easily push out the power a modern 2.0 turbo does.
Thoughts drift,... Climax 2.5 in Caterham.....
Every time, I think how nice and accommodating these folks are to allow your cameras in, always fum Tom, Thanks.
Barn find hunter is legit my favorite series on TH-cam. I would be so honored and grateful for a minute to share in some of Tom's insight/knowledge.
Keep them coming Tom! Not only some superb motors but some stunning houses too! This makes my day. Top one. Nice one. Get sorted.
you know an episode if gonna be epic when you see a Lotus 11 in the thumbnail ! Also, that 9:43 story was too funny 🤣
God bless you Tom , I’ve been a viewer since the start and I’m glad you are still going strong. my only issue is now I have wait another two weeks for the next. Thank you
What a nice little town and people seem really approachable
Thanks for lettin' us have a peek in the garage Bob!!
Some fine automobiles sir
Chris needs to take that baby out this summer.
What a sweetie
The Coventry Climax was a fire pump engine, built light and within a frame for firemen to carry it near to a source of water
Barn Find Hunter episodes are always so enjoyable. Great work as always.
He may not be able to drive in the mille millia, but he could still run for president.
Very blessed to live in such a remote place!
I bought a BMW from a retired marine biologist in Boothbay in 2020! He used to race E36s - salt of the earth, great guy. Like buying a car from your grandfather. One of my favorite memories!
Vicariously hangin' out with the rich folk this week....thanks as always, Tom.
- Ed on the Ridge
Hi had a 11 fibreglass body mould for years but did nothing with it, bought it from my dry wall supplier in about 89,he made it in 64,it was in very bad condition and needed a lot of work, passed it on in 2002,love seeing an original and with a climax in it ,great video cheers mate from Australia
I love it Tom! I live in western Maine in the hills and there are car people all over! I love seeing cars in barns and garages as you drive by. Most of them will talk to you about them too. I am an Alfa guy in Sebago. Rock on Tom!!
I had a 1959 MGA myself. Keeping the car tuned was a problem for me. And Blew a head gasket. Loved it. The Lotus was a fast car. Love the Corvette have owned 3. And still have one.Thank you for sharing your barn finds. ❤️💯
Who blew a head gasket - the MGA or you? 😂
Great show with a cool group of cars thanks have a wonderful week sir❤
Hope Tom doesnt quit doing these shows anytime soon !
Tom is the man!
Love the Northeast. Grew up on Cape Cod and this just fills me with so much nostalgia. Fantastic to see.
Kills me when I hear, I haven't driven it in X years.
You're doing that car a Great Disservice by not driving it.
Another great episode Tom. What a great car that Lotus is. Cheers!!
So that's what fancy ppl have in thier garages!!!
Love that white MG! The Lotus Eleven is to die for! Wow
What a lovely film!
Wish I had a garage like the lotus's - not even the cars, just that garage. Full of light and insulated.
Wow! What a great car and a greats story behind it!
I’m actually from Coventry in England and our only pride and joy is that we were pretty much the start of the UK motoring industry, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus , Triumph, Rover, Daimler and the ThrustSSC (current land speed record holder) we’re all founded and built here
Ohhhh, a Lotus! Lovely.
I look forward to the day when there's a barn find on Barn Find Hunter
1975 was the year I was born, the first guy has had this car for 48 years!😮
Tremendous. Always good to see Tom.
About 35 years ago we were on holiday in Westmoreland and called into a garage for petrol when I noticed the garage name was Cliff Allison Motors, Brough. A lady came out to serve me (those were the days!) and I asked if it was THE Cliff Allison. She looked so pleased when she proudly told me that 'yes it is. He's my husband, but he's out just now.' Hardly had she spoken when he arrived back. He was noticeably injured from his final racing accident and walked with a limp, but we spent a very happy time reminiscing about his career. As a child with my father I saw him race a number of times. And I got his autograph.
Innes Ireland passed away in 1993. His autobiography, all arms and elbows, is exceptional.
I did wonder whether anyone would pick up on that
The Lotus XI is an almost unbelievable rare find. There are very few cars I appreciate more than a Lotus XI and this one was driven be Colin Chapman himself! Anyone not around in the late 50's to early 60's most likely hasn't a clue as the cars historical importance. I recently attended an antique sports car race at Lime Rock Raceway and spotted a Lotus XI in the paddock. By todays standards the car is just unbelievably small and very low to the ground. A wonderful sight indeed. I can honestly say if I came across one for sale these days I'd probably pass out from shear delight.
Great opener story.
That Lotus eleven.... 🤤
I'm from Coventry. The Home of the naked horse lady. Peeping Tom was a myth though. We still have the world famous Peeping Tom clock though.
Come to Connecticut!!!! Everyone skips over the state I know of a great hudson/amc yard
We have a lot in common, maybe we shall meet up at a reunion some day. Keep it coming!
Dang, those three cars are exactly what a gent of my position in life needs.
Great Video, cool cars and history... Thanks Tom
I had a Revel slot car in the 60’s of the Lotus 11. Beautiful car.👍🏻
My ex brother-in-law bought a Stingray for $500 as a restoration project. It had been raced and was in pretty sad shape. In a little over a year it was in better than showroom condition... It didn't hurt that he owned a Chevy dealership at the time, with a complete body shop. Nice car! I forget the exact year, but close to what was shown in this video. It was a lighter metallic blue, though. I don't know what haopened to that car. It was on display at the dealership, last time I saw it.
Love this series, need more !!!!!
Coming up on 50 years that you’ve owned this car. Then it clicks.
“Ya you had to mention that”
In his head he was back twenty years thinking about the work he did. Snap that was along time ago.
Another great episode!
Amazing always been a lotus fan
An important thing I learn from these loving pieces of automotive documentation is that so many of these car guy places are 50% finished garages with 99% finished cars. It just gives me the confidence that I am not wrong myself 😂
that is one of the best videos and amazing cars.
Hoping for a Cotter/Camisa colab some day
awesome! Right in my back yard! C’mone down to southern Maine Tom we will show ya some more cool cahs bub! Great channel!
What 'Tom' also failed to mention was that Coventry Climax were synonymous with fire pumps and even more so with forklift trucks. Indeed, at one point in the 60's, 70's and 80's [and before the 'Japanese invasion'] virtually every single factory, builder's yard etc in England had a Coventry Climax powered forklift truck!
427 ZL1 Camaro was around 600 made.
The scenery in this area is a little hard on the eye. At least on a sunny day
That Lotus Eleven. Why do I think it's worth millions? If not, why not? Beautiful car with massive pedigree.
It should be worth millions along with series one Sevens with Climax engines!
colon does it again
God this video is amazing as an art guy and car guy booth bay sounds like heaven
Just cool as!
Good man 🦸♀️
The rev counter in my home built clubman is from an MGA. Why, because we had one.
That's some neighborhood ...
Grew up in East Boothbay was just back there so I know where he is
Caah, Hahbaah. LOLOL
The new England accents always makes me laugh.
Those are vintage KMC turbine wheels ❤️
Chapmen's Slogan was "Simplify and Add lightness". Not just add lightness
Sounds like his buddy had a Baldwin Camero.
If you are ever in Canada, my dad has 2 trans ams that would be good for a video like this
same as the Triumph 'GP' (generator) 500cc engine- the designers, during the war were planning for the future. I understand this engine was designed with post war racing use already planned in ; )
They used to race on public roads for like 6 miles in Watkins Glen, NY until Fred Wacker driving a Cadillac Allard was passing another car on an area of the track designated as a no passing zone, and brushed the crowd, injuring 12 spectators and killing a seven-year-old boy. They immediately stopped the race and no more public roads were used again.
I thought I was going to see a Lotus 11 with a 327 Corvette engine, wouldn't that be something!
Me too!
,,,,,,,,,,,,............ Land o' lakes,wi.......The Lotus,,,,,best car you have shown us,,,,,,tnx,.....pat&family.
Talk about collectibles.....👌
Great barn finds.
There must be treasures hidden all over the place.
None of those cars are “barn finds”. There wasn’t even one barn in this episode.
@@bobbyheenan9337 correct.
Garage gold, would be better.
MG thats Smoking check pcv valve!
Common issue on old mgs
C2🤩
Subscribing from the UK - what a beautiful location - wonder how many MGA's/MG TD&Cs, still live in the US? Had to look away when the 308GTS was in view, with the hideous US extended Federal bumpers (UK speak) and incorrect overlarge shields on front wings, and incorrect paint. No 308/328's left the factory with the bottom section of the body painted black, although it may have been a dealer option? What a shame it's appearance is ruined, but hopefully the car is not driven on public roads too often. Sorry. What a fantastic Lotus car and history, brilliant and an extremely valuable car in view of it's history. Glad to see it has not been pimped in the usual US style, but guess a small block OHV V8 wouldn't fit!!
Bobs doughter can register for the race and bob can ridealone
Hello! This is Bob's daughter and yes, you would think so! But very frustrating as they under no circumstances allow anyone on the crew to be over 80. My father, the owner of the car, would not even be allowed to be navigator. We were really gutted after all the work done to ready the car, and most time consuming was to certify that this is in fact the original car driven by Gregor Grant. We were in the process of securing transportation/ferry for the car. My father had the pre-registration in and was setting up to pay the initial entry fee and he was informed by email that he was too old. This rule was somewhere around page 67 - we were so focused on the details to register the car that this never crossed our mind. Decided to take a break and enjoy the research and finishing touches on the Lotus. Driving it along the coastal roads of Maine on a summer day is such a joy, especially when my father takes the passenger seat. This car loves to be driven, Italy or not. So thrilled to see people enjoying it through Tom's show!
@@fueledandfed oh nooooo. Thats sooo baaad. I feel for u. He must be gutted. Wount they atleast invite him and the car as a vip or something. Its his life. Its not like i just bought it and i wanna race here. Its his life
James walker aka mr jww. Talk to him about making a video on this. We might get a petition going for bob u and the car. Just a fiers thought
The MG parked for only 5 years, get it going again. Its not parked in a way it looks like it'll get worked on...
these cars sitting in a garage 20 minutes from my house ....crazy
Close! Innes Ireland died almost 30 years ago.
The 'fire pump' engines had huge bearing surfaces and were designed to run at full power from stone cold?
Subtitles not right? (seems to be from a Larry Chen video?)
Coventry climax us owned or was owned by Jaguar, and FWE stands for Featherweight Engine.
But to save his race cars from being beaten , he stepped production of all racing engines.
FWE stands for FeatherWeight Elite!
body of Lotus Eleven was designed by the aerodynalisit Frank Costain brother of Mike Costain the Cos in Cosworth
I know it sounds weird, but every time I bring my 2010 VW CC CCTA/6MT to the stealership for something, I invariably get a call from someone in their sales department asking if I want to sell it. Answer? NOPE. It's my last VW, my first being a '79 Scirocco S with no floors in it (we fixed it with for-sale signs) and a Monza exhaust that was in the trunk that I sold to register it. That was in 1986. VWs have a strange value-market.
I hope Chris gets that Corvette going again, it's too pretty to be hiding in the garage
The addon bumpers on that 308 looks so fugly! I'd be so tempted to just remove them. 99.999% of the cops over there in the States wouldn't know they were supposed to be on it.
It’s often a huge pain not justified if the guy is enjoying the car as is.
I have a 1980 FIAT Spider. It’s possible to replace American spec bumpers though a bit of a job. On that car it looks so much better I will at some point. But the 308 has the straight modem lines that don’t really get ruined by it.
My father drove that car as a daily when I was a kid. NY to NJ to work, this was not a car to sit in the garage and take out for special occasions. The bumper (ugly as it is) most likely saved his life coming home from work one day. I get where you are coming from though. I have a BMW 2002, that ugly American bumper saved my car last fall when some distracted soccer mom backed full speed into me at a daughter's game. Could not believe my 2002 was fine- without that ugly bumper it would have been terrible!