1955 Lotus Mk 6
Chassis number 74 is a Lotus Mk6, Colin Chapman's first series-production car, introduced in 1952 and built around a lightweight multi-tubular chassis with aluminium bodywork by Williams and Pritchard. This example has a documented competition history stretching back to its 1955 debut at Goodwood and has passed through the hands of several noted drivers. Currently fitted with a fully rebuilt 1,098cc Coventry Climax engine, it holds valid FIA historic papers and has competed successfully at major historic events including the Goodwood Revival, Silverstone Classic, and Spa Six Hours weekend.
Ownership
- 2026-02-20Auction saleSold £44,000 (≈ $55K)
- Date unknownMichael Claypartial documentation
One of several notable drivers listed as prior owners; specific dates of tenure not recorded in the catalogue.
- Date unknownTom Candishpartial documentation
Named as one of the car's prior racing owners; dates of ownership not specified.
- Date unknownBill McIntyrepartial documentation
Named as one of the car's prior racing owners; dates of ownership not specified.
- Date unknownLeonard Wilsonpartial documentation
Named as one of the car's prior racing owners; dates of ownership not specified.
- Date unknownMike Brotherwoodpartial documentation
Named as one of the car's prior racing owners; dates of ownership not specified.
- Date unknownChris Reapartial documentation
Raced the car at Goodwood Revival among other events; exact ownership dates not stated.
- Date unknownJohn Clelandpartial documentation
Most recent prior owner before the current consignor; precise ownership dates not recorded.
Competition
- 1955Goodwood
Recorded as the car's first competition outing.
- —Goodwood RevivalDriver: Chris Rea
The car returned to Goodwood under Chris Rea's control during his ownership period.
- —Silverstone Classic
One of several leading historic events attended after the Goodwood Revival.
- —Woodcote Trophy
Competed at the Woodcote Trophy at Silverstone as part of its historic racing programme.
- —Spa Six Hours weekend
Listed among the leading historic events attended during the car's recent competition career.
- —Algarve Classic
Competed at this event as part of the car's recent historic racing programme.
- —Silverstone Woodcote Trophy1st in class (first three races); 2nd in class (four subsequent occasions)
Under current ownership the car achieved a class win in each of its first three outings, then recorded four second-in-class results at the same event.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Engine rebuildEric Pasture
The 1,098cc Coventry Climax unit was comprehensively overhauled to a high standard, with the car used in only a single race following completion of the work.
- —Mechanical
With the engine removed, a thorough recommissioning was carried out covering the rear axle, propshaft, gearbox, clutch, fuel tank and pumps, radius arms, brakes, safety harness, fire suppression system, engine controls, and two new wheel sets (alloy and steel). A rebuilt spare gearbox was also prepared.
Work was undertaken as an opportunity during the engine-out phase; scope suggests a comprehensive mechanical refresh rather than a full restoration.
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