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The Aeroscreen for
single-seat cockpit is perhaps the most distinctive of those fitted to the Lotus
Eleven. In
all but the earliest models the front fairing slips inside of a
semi-circular metal retainer that in turn is riveted to the cowl. The photo shows an early example
where the front fairing is held in place entirely with dzus fasteners.
The side glass opens with the door.
The aerodynamics of this screen and headfairing were widely praised, with little turbulence inside the cockpit.
The Sports windscreen is attached only to the cowl. This screen was simple to make and may have been substituted when more complex ones were out of stock. It was found on Club and Sports models, and was surprisingly effective in keeping air blast off the driver.
The Glass or Street windscreen was intended for road use. It was of sufficient height to pass local road regulations and was also usually fitted with wiper motor and arms. The glass pattern and source of the sideposts has been a question for many years, and additional original information would be welcomed. The V-screen windshield was fitted to the 1956 Team Lotus LeMans entries, and was Lotus first attempt at a full-width aerodynamic solution to race requirements. Only a few of these were made. (This is a recent photo of one of those '56 Team Lotus cars, complete with modern roll bar and HLR decal.)
The Appendix C windscreen, or 'Sebring screen,' met the FIA requirement for open, two-seat cockpit cars. A small wiper could be fitted, but since using it would scratch the plexiglass, it was only there to pass scrutineering. Side sections were attached to the doors.
The Monza Bubble Canopy was a unique feature of the cars that set a series of speed records at the Monza oval track. This completely enveloped the driver (Stirling Moss seen here) and shielded him so well that additional ventilation was required -- even at 140+ MPH !
The LeMans High Back windscreens were used in 1957 and later as part of a package of aerodynamic enhancements for cars in that and other races. This was the high-water mark of development for the Eleven body. It included, with variations, a tail section several inches higher than standard, and an inflatable tonneau cover that was only semi-rigid, allowing the cars to be considered open-cockpit even though they weren't. --Jay Sloane |
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www.lotuseleven.org |
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