Lot 326: 1962 Lotus Elite S2 Coupe

Launched at the 1957 London Motor Show - when metal panelwork was the sports car norm and all independent suspension the domain of racing cars - the strikingly pretty Lotus Elite boasted a glassfibre monocoque bodyshell with rear suspension first seen on the Lotus 12 Formula Two single seater. A steel front subframe, bonded into the shell, carried wishbone/coil spring suspension with the anti-roll bar doubling as half the top wishbones, while at the rear there were Chapman struts, lower wishbones and radius arms. Naturally, disc brakes were fitted all round. Notably, too, the 0.29Cd of the Elite, with aerodynamics by Frank Costin, has rarely been bettered since. Power came from a 1,216cc Coventry-Climax FWE, single overhead camshaft, four cylinder engine which, allied to a BMC four speed gearbox and producing 80bhp at 6,100rpm via a single SU carburettor, could propel the diminutive Lotus from 0-60mph in 11.8 seconds and on to 115mph. The Elite was a major step forward for Lotus, an innovative concept offering both amazing performance from 1.2 litres and superb roadholding; assets highlighted by fabulous success in GT racing, including class wins at every Le Mans 24 Hours race from 1959 to 1964. Revised rear suspension, triangulated wishbones replacing the two radius arms, was the major change on the Series II model of 1961; at the same time the Elite became available in 120mph Special Equipment form with 85bhp and a five speed, all synchromesh ZF gearbox. The following year it could be bought in kit form, and in May 1962 the Super 95, 100 and 105 models - the numbers reflecting brake horsepower, and now with twin SUs and the previously optional ZF gearbox standard equipment - were introduced; only a handful of the 100 and 105 models, however, complete with five bearing crankshaft, were ever sold. When Elite production ceased in September 1963, under 1,000 of all types had been built. This stunning Series II car is a Special Equipment model, complete with twin Weber 40 DCOE carburettors, original optional interior heater and the desirable upgrade of an electric fuel pump, the former owners of which include Graham Arnold, founder of Club Lotus and ex-Lotus Cars Sales Director, and Pink Floyd drummer and renown historic car collector and racer Nick Mason, for whom the Elite was completely restored over 1998/'99 by marque specialist Miles Wilkins of Fibreglass Services in Sussex. Having covered fewer than 4,000 miles since, and with new chrome wire wheels, new original specification tubular exhaust manifold and system and new rear wheel bearings and seals recently fitted, it is offered in truly excellent condition. In its present ownership for three years and always maintained regardless of cost, this lovely Lotus comes with a large history file, copies of related Club Elite information and records, V5 registration document, six previous MoT test certificates and a current certificate valid until July. This is arguably the best Lotus Elite that money can buy.