Lotus Mk VIII TYC 700 Works Car

TYC 700 is the first production chassis of the Lotus Mk VIII, though it was the last of the cars to be finished, in 1955. That late completion means it carries features usually associated with the Mk IX, including a de Dion rear axle and knock-on wire wheels from new. It is one of only nine Mk VIIIs built, counting the Team Lotus works cars, and the Historic Lotus Register lists six as surviving.

The Mk VIII was Colin Chapman's first racing car with streamlined bodywork, shaped with aerodynamicist Frank Costin over a 35 lb spaceframe. This car keeps its original Williams & Pritchard aluminium body, with a flat floor, radiator ducting, twin side exhausts and drop-down doors that are unique to it. Power comes from the original MG-experimental engine, based on the 1,486cc XPAG, rated at 89 horsepower and driving through a four-speed manual gearbox.

The car was dismantled by its fourth UK owner in 1963 and left in pieces until it was inspected in 1987. A restoration by Olav Glasius, president of Lotus Club Netherlands, was completed in 1997, and the car is regarded as the most original Mk VIII in existence. It has had seven owners and is right-hand drive. The page gives no price or mileage.