Lost Lotus 'Breadvan' to meet famous Ferrari at 72nd Goodwood Members' Meeting

This year's Goodwood Members' Meeting will play host to a never-seen-before 'Battle of the Breadvans', held between the famous rebodied Ferrari 250GT and the lesser-known, independently built Lotus which it inspired...

Of course, the Ferrari – famously built on a 250GT SWB chassis – has long been a regular at Goodwood. Sporting bodywork that represented the pinnacle of aerodynamic knowledge at the time, the Breadvan remains unmistakable among its peers, thanks to the visual effect created by its arrow-straight roofline and kamm tail.

The tale of the Lotus is a less familiar one. Inspired by the competition success of the Ferrari, British racing driver Graham Capel chose to apply its aerodynamic principles to his Lotus Eleven. Having achieved many class wins, plus a second-in-class finish at Goodwood in 1964 during its final outing, it was then stripped of its unusual bodywork and refitted with standard panels.

The bread and butter of Goodwood

Now, its owner has instructed Twyman Racing to return the car to its ‘Breadvan’ profile, finished in its original Plumstead Racing livery, in time for a second coming at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting in March. The lightweight understudy will meet its mighty inspiration in the Moss Trophy, and while it might have eight fewer cylinders than the Ferrari, it should remain competitive. “I’d expect the Ferrari to be at the front with the Lotus not too far off the pace,” says Neil Twyman, “although if it rains that could all change, depending on who’s driving.” The prospect sounds like an enticing filling for a rapidly delivered sandwich.

Photos: Goodwood / David M Ross

Hundreds of classic Ferraris and Lotuses can be found for sale in the Classic Driver Market.

For further information on the 72nd Goodwood Members' Meeting taking place on 29-30 March 2014, visit goodwood.co.uk.