Top Gear Restoration

[theelanman]

Thought I’d post this to the group just incase anyone felt inclined to ring the BBC…….I suppose its worth saving but as per most things on the TV they will more than likely leave the TV company with a pocket full of cash……….cost of restoration £30000………250,000 people (about 20% of the audience) ringing in at £0.25p per call = £62500.00p…….that’ll fund the next one too…..anyway…if you feel inclined read on………

 

Restoration

In Spring 2004 Top Gear asked you to send in the names of famous cars you would like to see restored. For the next five weeks, they will take a look at a different car and you get to tell us which one to restore to its former glory.

First off, they took a look at the Lotus 10 that could possibly have saved James Dean's life, if it had been delivered on time. If you want to vote to restore the Lotus to its former glory, call 09011 110 835, calls cost 25p and lines close at midnight on the 12th of December

Some of Lotus' customers asked Colin Chapman and Mike Costin to build them a car to compete in the popular 2 litre sportscar series. Most other cars used the BMW derived, Bristol built 'six', so it was no surprise that Chapman picked this engine. The engine was installed in an extensively modified 8 chassis. A similar streamlined body as the 8 was used but it can be distinguished by a huge hood buldge, covering the larger engine.

 

The 2-litre racer was ready for the 1955 season. Although it scored a number of wins, its success was completely overshadowed by the all-conquering Lotus 9. Of the seven 10s built, one was ordered by actor James Dean. He never took delivery of it because of his fatal accident in a Porsche 550.

 

 

General specifications

Country of origin Great Britain

Produced in 1955

Numbers built 7

Body design N/A

Weight 560 kilo / 1234.6 lbs

Drivetrain

Engine Bristol Straight 6

Engine Location Front , longitudinally mounted

Displacement 1.971 liter / 120.3 cu in

Valvetrain 2 valves / cylinder, OHV

Fuel feed 3 Solex Carburetors

Aspiration Naturally Aspirated

Gearbox Bristol 4 speed Manual

Drive Rear wheel drive

Performance figures

Power 125 bhp / 93 KW @ 6000 rpm

Torque 167 Nm / 123 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm

BHP/Liter 63 bhp / liter

Power to weight ratio 0.22 bhp / kg

[Steve J]

So it wasn't even his as he never even drove it. Didn't look worth while saving anyway.....and drum brakes too, yuck.

[Ladders]

Seems a shame to let it rot away though!

 

Although it is a bit dissapointing that James Dean never drove it. Did it have any history after that though or did it just stay in a shed?

[ipanter]

Seems a shame to let it rot away though!

Especially as it is only 1 of 11

[Scott_Mac]

I like the reason behind it having drum brakes - they thought the americans would copy the technology if they put discs on it!

[Mark A]

Voted....................................

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

..........for the Mini Cooper