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Description

A pair of Lotus 23s speed through Woodcote corner at Silverstone in a Classic Sports Car race.

The Lotus 23 made its race debut in 1962 at the famous 14-mile Nürburgring Nordschliefe circuit with Grand Prix driver Jim Clark, one of the greatest drivers of all time, at the wheel. The debut was nothing short of sensational. At the end of the first lap in the rain Clark, a renowned "Ringmeister", was 27 seconds ahead of the field that contained Aston Martins, Ferraris and Porsches that were up to four times more powerful than the 1.5 litre Lotus. He continued to build his huge lead until the track dried. Unfortunately the car suffered from a damaged exhaust manifold on Lap 12, Clark was overcome by exhaust fumes and crashed out. To this day the Lotus 23, along with the subsequent 23B and 23C, are still mainstays of vintage racing in Europe and the United States.

Photograph taken May 1983.

And here are two previously published photos of Lotus racing cars:

Description

A pair of Lotus 23s speed through Woodcote corner at Silverstone in a Classic Sports Car race.

The Lotus 23 made its race debut in 1962 at the famous 14-mile Nürburgring Nordschliefe circuit with Grand Prix driver Jim Clark, one of the greatest drivers of all time, at the wheel. The debut was nothing short of sensational. At the end of the first lap in the rain Clark, a renowned "Ringmeister", was 27 seconds ahead of the field that contained Aston Martins, Ferraris and Porsches that were up to four times more powerful than the 1.5 litre Lotus. He continued to build his huge lead until the track dried. Unfortunately the car suffered from a damaged exhaust manifold on Lap 12, Clark was overcome by exhaust fumes and crashed out. To this day the Lotus 23, along with the subsequent 23B and 23C, are still mainstays of vintage racing in Europe and the United States.

Photograph taken May 1983.

And here are two previously published photos of Lotus racing cars: