Lightweight, nimble, and utterly engaging, the 1963 Lotus 23B embodies designer Colin Chapman’s guiding principle to “simplify, then add lightness.” Built in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England, this mid-engine two-seater sports racer represents one of just 131 Type 23 and 23B examples produced. Weighing only 950 pounds and powered by a 1.6-liter Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine producing approximately 135 horsepower, the Lotus 23B delivers an extraordinary balance of speed and agility. Presented here is chassis no. 23-S-97, a well-documented and race-proven California example that remains ready for competitive vintage events or curated motorsport collections.

Manufactured in 1963, this Lotus 23B spent its life in the hands of respected West Coast enthusiasts, including noted collector and vintage racer Steven Read. Read’s long-term ownership established its provenance through participation in premier historic racing venues, including the Monterey Historics in 2000 and subsequent Pre-Historics and Historics in 2006, 2007, and 2009, as well as the Wine Country Classic at Sonoma and races at Laguna Seca. The car’s next caretaker continued this active competition history, racing the Lotus at the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival, Laguna Seca, Road America, Blackhawk Farms, and Grattan Raceway. Maintained to professional standards by Collins Racing, with a major engine rebuild by Slade Engines in 2015, the car has since been used sparingly, totaling 64.5 recorded track hours and participated in just two events following its rebuild. The Lotus has been kept in a climate-controlled collection at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois, where it has been started and lapped periodically to maintain mechanical health.

The exterior presents in vivid Dark Blue, accented by a wide central white stripe and racing number “7,” immediately recognizable in the paddock and on track. The color-infused fiberglass body remains in excellent condition, with securely fitted panels over the lightweight spaceframe chassis. The Lotus’ bodywork design is both elegant and purposeful: large front and rear sections hinge open for full mechanical access, while the low-profile doors blend seamlessly with the wrap-around windscreen. A collection of historic race event decals on the windscreen and roll bar reflects the car’s active participation in significant motorsport gatherings, reinforcing its authenticity. Completing the period look are the distinctive 13-inch white Wobbly Web wheels, fitted with four lugs up front and six at the rear, true to Chapman’s original configuration.

Inside, the Lotus retains its original minimalist focus on function. The right-hand-drive cockpit features a single black carbon fiber racing bucket seat with a four-point harness alongside a dark blue upholstered passenger seat in period correct presentation, functional Smiths instrumentation, a Hobbs engine hour meter, and a right-mounted gear lever, all configured for balance and immediate feedback. The simplicity of the cockpit underscores the Lotus’ singular purpose: connecting driver to machine with no excess. Dual side mirrors and a three-point chrome roll bar with an integrated dark blue headrest provide both practicality and safety without detracting from the period-correct presentation.

Mechanically, the 23B remains an exceptional example of Chapman’s engineering brilliance. The 1.6-liter Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine, fitted with Weber carburetors and rebuilt by Slade Engines in Salinas, California, produces approximately 135 horsepower, transmitted through a five-speed Hewland transaxle. The spaceframe chassis, engineered for lightness and rigidity, uses widened tubes to accommodate the increased torque of the upgraded engine. Suspension geometry features double wishbones, rack-and-pinion steering, and fully independent coil-spring setups, with Girling disc brakes at all four corners. The battery is new, but this Lotus will need new tires, new seatbelts and a fluid change before being ready to hit the track again. The car’s frame tubes serve as coolant and oil conduits, reducing plumbing weight and complexity. The result is a 950-pound machine with sharp reflexes and remarkable composure, capable of outperforming larger-displacement competitors on technical circuits.

Partial historical and mechanical records and a soft car cover are included in the sale.

For more information and details, please call or text Kendi Brown at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. This 1963 Lotus 23B Sports Racer is available for inspection at our showroom in Phoenix. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.