As it happens with racecars and prototypes especially, Formula 5000’s Tony Kitchiner in the late 60s, upgraded it to the Ford V8 or “Bundle of Snakes” with which it is today presented in concours condition with the 289 and ZF transmission. Having retired from competition and after 50-years of seclusion and meticulous restoration, it is offered by private treaty – presently inviting direct offers. The body is now bolted onto the frame and has been changed as little as possible, but enough to accommodate the necessary air intake and V8 engine, for which Carroll Shelby himself offered tuning recommendations. Professionally photographed in red before it received striping, it has only a couple hours added due to track testing and exhibiting at two small, highly exclusive, smaller events in Monterey.

This prototype competed with: Lola GT Mk6, Ford GT40, Shelby Daytona, Ferrari 250GTO among more famous and similar in period competitors. This first of two Lotus Type 46 prototypes is the only extant example and lead to the 55 total 47GT race cars. Power to weight ratio originally, , Design/engineering contributions by Colin Chapman, designer John Frayling of Lola & Lotus fame, et al, later engineer Tony Kitchiner. “Toly” Anatoly Arutunoff purchased it from Brian Goellnicht, and subsequent restoration by the Fitzpatrick family was guided by insights from Carroll Shelby himself to Doug Fitzpatrick. Originally driven to first, in it first 2 races by Lotus team driver John Miles, it has faithfully served respected innovators in competition, and after 50-years off the radar, is ready for its next chapter.

Earliest examples were fiberglass bonded to frame, later examples bolted, making it more reasonably serviced. Though not presently set up for competition, it’s been carefully stewarded for 50-years and offers a unique opportunity to either restore it to its original configuration as raced with the inline-4 which featured a variety of air intakes and team cars would feature green white stripes. In its present configuration, it nods to the era’s dominating power plant – for which the US/Shelby can take credit. This one of a kind vehicle delights and shocks those who can appreciate the surprise the awaiting in the engine compartment, alluded to by the massive center snorkel air intake… As a Lotus prototype originally – it was fitting that Kitchiner would continue its innovation rather than restoring it what he knew was then underpowered, while period correct for the 1960s, amidst such historic activity between the UK and Ford on the global stage of Le Mans.