Description:

1966 Lotus 23C – Goodwood Revival 2025 Entry

Chassis 23-S-124 is a rare late-specification Lotus 23C with outstanding provenance and a proven record as a Goodwood front-runner. Believed to be the only example of its type in the UK, this car offers a unique opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of Lotus history in fully prepared, race-proven form.

Supplied new in 1966 to Homer Rader’s Lotus Southwest dealership in Dallas, Texas, the car was delivered as a bare chassis incorporating the final developments of the model. Unlike earlier 23Bs, these later cars were produced with six-stud wheels at both ends and wider 13-inch rims to improve grip and braking. The distinctive rear arches were created by incorporating Lotus Seven S1 arches into the standard clamshell tail. Lotus historian, Nick Adams, (a well respected engineer with decades of experience at Lotus and the long-standing Club Lotus Type 23 Register coordinator) has confirmed chasis 23-S-124’s originality and that it retains a number of correct period details. These include the cast engine and gearbox adaptor bearing the raised LOTUS lettering, as well as the twin swirl pot header tanks.

After falling into disuse, the car was discovered in Tennessee by the late Craig Kindervater. It was complete but weathered. Kindervater began a detailed restoration, carefully recording each stage in handwritten notes and photographs, all of which are included in the car’s history file. The original chassis plate has been preserved alongside the later replacement fitted to the dashboard.

Since completion, 23-S-124 has been prepared and maintained to a high standard by Neil Fowler Motorsport, a respected name in historic race preparation. The car remains in correct specification, with Lotus 41C front suspension and the six-stud “wobbly web” wheels fitted all round. The car comes with an extensive spares package, including the it’s original aluminium bodywork (as well as the fibre glass body that it currently wears), 2x original lotus leather seats, and plenty of spare gear ratios.

23-S-124 has become a familiar entry at Goodwood, regularly invited to both the Revival and Members’ Meeting. It has competed in the Gurney Cup and Whitsun Trophy, where it has consistently run at the front of the field against more powerful GT40’s and Lola T70’s. Its performance is underlined by its balance and low weight rather than outright engine capacity – the ultimate giant killer.

The car is offered for sale with an invitation to this year’s Goodwood Revival and a comprehensive record of its history, including the original chassis plate, restoration documentation, and known ownership.

Available for sale exclusively with Besley Heritage Ltd. Price On Application.

Website:

https://www.besleyheritage.com

Keyword Search Terms:

Goodwood Lotus 23C 23B Revival Twin Cam Gurney Cup Whitsun Trophy guards trophy