Racing aficionados and collectors are gearing up for an electrifying moment at The Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques à Monaco’, on May 10th, as one of the most historically significant Formula 1 cars makes its way to the auction block. The 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis ‘353’, estimated at €290,000 – €390,000 ($308,000 – $415,000), is poised to steal the spotlight, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of motorsport history.

This iconic vehicle holds a special place in Formula 1 World Championship racing history, serving as the debut contender for the legendary British marque Lotus. Notably, it marks the very car in which the illustrious Graham Hill made his debut at the revered Monaco Grand Prix, a race he would go on to win five times.

The Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis ‘353’ carries with it a rich tapestry of anecdotes, including its affectionate nickname, the ‘Figgy Pudding Grand Prix’. This moniker was born from a daring Christmas Day drive in 1957 when racing journalist Denis Jenkinson took the car for a spin on British public roads, much to the surprise of onlookers.

Beyond its colorful history, ‘353’ holds significant racing credentials, contributing to Lotus’s seven Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship titles. Piloted by racing icons such as Graham Hill, Jim Clark, and Jochen Rindt, this vehicle epitomizes the pinnacle of motorsport excellence.

The genesis of the Lotus Type 12 design can be traced back to Colin Chapman, the visionary founder of Lotus Cars. Chapman’s innovative approach to engineering produced a series of groundbreaking vehicles, with the Type 12 serving as the marque’s foray into Formula 1 competition.

Initially built for Formula 2 racing, the Type 12 underwent modifications to meet the demands of Formula 1, culminating in its debut at Silverstone in 1958. Despite initial challenges, the car showcased its potential, laying the groundwork for Lotus’s future dominance in the sport.

Following its racing career, ‘353’ embarked on a journey across continents, changing hands amongst private collectors before undergoing a meticulous restoration process. Today, it stands as a testament to automotive craftsmanship and racing heritage.

Clive Chapman, head of Classic Team Lotus and son of Colin Chapman, encapsulates the sentiment surrounding ‘353’ in his quote from the book Lotus 12 Chassis No. 353: The History, expressing a desire for every Team Lotus racing car to boast such a remarkable legacy.

As the gavel falls at the Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, anticipation is high as to who will become the custodian of this iconic racing artifact, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.

Bonhams|Cars uniquely offers a choice of live, online and private platforms for buying and selling collector cars—platforms characterized by levels of trust, reliability, and transparency born of over three decades of experience as the premier automotive auction house. Through prestigious live auctions around the world, 24/7 online auctions, and our recently introduced Private Sales service, Bonhams|Cars makes it simple for buyers and sellers to find the platform that best meets their needs.

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