Lot 411: Lotus Elite 2 Litre

The Lotus Elite was first introduced to a startled public at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1957. Show goers were amazed to see a beautiful streamlined coupe that no one, outside the tiny Lotus works in North London, knew was coming.The car’s fluid and almost delicate shape concealed an all fibreglass monocoque, an all aluminium SOHC engine, four wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. Designed by committee the fact that one of Colin Chapman’s design criteria was that the Elite be a road car capable of a class win at the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour race was remarkable.The fact there followed six consecutive class wins and several index victories in this race as well was incredible. This 1974 2 litre Maroon coloured version is said by the owner to have covered only 51,000 miles from new, and documents appear to support this.The previous owner is said to have spent many thousands of pounds re-upholstering the interior and also fitted new roof lining and carpets, very few miles have been travelled since and it is said to look like the work was done very recently. The number plate, 8609FD, was valued at £1200 some ten years ago and is being sold with the car. The current owner has been in possession for ten years, the car is offered with a new MOT. Some of the paintwork will require attention as is usual with these fibre glassed bodied machines, but otherwise this appears to be a very useable modern classic.