The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.
The Lotus 23B 1963 is a legendary sports racing car that has captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts since its introduction in the 1960s. Designed by Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars, the 23B was a lightweight, high-performance machine that was ideally suited for racing.
At the heart of the Lotus 23B was a 1.6-liter Ford Twin Cam engine that was capable of producing around 160 horsepower. The engine was mated to a Hewland Mk5 five-speed manual gearbox, and the combination was capable of propelling the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in around 5 seconds.
The chassis of the Lotus 23B was a space frame design made of lightweight, high-strength steel tubing. The suspension was a double wishbone arrangement at the front and rear, with adjustable coil-over shock absorbers providing precise control over the car's handling characteristics.
The body of the Lotus 23B was made of fiberglass, which helped to keep the car's weight to a minimum. The car had an open cockpit design, with a small windscreen and no roof, making it ideal for racing at high speeds.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Lotus 23B was its aerodynamics. The car was designed to be extremely aerodynamic, with a front splitter and a rear diffuser that helped to increase downforce and improve stability at high speeds.
The Lotus 23B was also known for its impressive braking capabilities. The car was equipped with disc brakes at all four corners, which provided excellent stopping power even at high speeds.
Overall, the Lotus 23B was a true masterpiece of automotive engineering. It was light, fast, and incredibly agile, with handling and performance characteristics that were unmatched by any other sports car of its time. Today, the Lotus 23B remains one of the most desirable and sought-after vintage racing cars, with collectors and enthusiasts around the world eager to add one to their collection.
Milestones
- Lotus 23B debuted in 1963 as an evolution of the successful Lotus 23 racing car. - The chassis of the 23B was made of tubular steel, with an aluminum body designed for aerodynamic efficiency. - The 23B was powered by a variety of engines, including the Coventry Climax FWE, Ford Anglia, and Lotus Twin-Cam. - One of the key features of the 23B was its lightweight construction, which made it a favorite among amateur racers and privateer teams. - The 23B scored numerous wins and podium finishes in races around the world, including the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Nürburgring 1000 km, and the London-Sydney Marathon. - The 23B helped establish Lotus as a leading manufacturer of racing cars, and influenced the design of numerous other sports cars and prototypes. - Despite its success on the track, the 23B was only produced in limited numbers, with most examples built to customer specifications and often modified for specific racing classes and events. - Today, the Lotus 23B is regarded as a classic of motorsport history, and remains a popular choice for vintage racing events and collectors.Technical
- Chassis: Lotus lightweight space frame - Body: Fiberglass bodywork - Engine: 1.6-liter Lotus Twin Cam four-cylinder engine - Transmission: Close-ratio four-speed manual gearbox - Suspension: Independent front and rear suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers - Brakes: Disc brakes on all four wheels - Wheels: 13-inch alloy wheels - Tires: Dunlop Racing tires - Weight: Approximately 1,120 pounds (depending on spec) - Top speed: Approximately 160 mph (depending on spec) - Production run: Approximately 130 examples built between 1962-1965.SUPERMIND TRIVIA