Cooper may have introduced the mid-engined layout to post-war motor racing, but the Lotus 18 was the car which proved once and for all that a mid-engined car was the only one to have.

  It was the first Lotus to win a World Championship race.

  It was the vehicle for some of Stirling Moss’ greatest drives, like the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix.

  It made stars of Innes Ireland, Jim Clark and John Surtees.

Chassis number 754 was purchased in September 1960 by Ken Tyrell and driven on its first outing by John Surtees at the Oulton Park Gold Cup on 24th September 1960.

Driven by Henry Taylor, chassis 754 then went on to win the British Empire Trophy in October of that year and then went on to race in the United States.

Restored in the US in 1998 it is described as being in excellent condition in every respect.

Subsequently it was purchased by the current owner in 2006 and has since been rebuilt completely to its original specification with the correct Ford race-prepared 105E engine an...