1960 Lotus

Elite

--White with Green painted stripes, Red leather interior, Light Grey Carpeting, Restored condition throughout, Limited mileage since restoration, 1500cc Climax FWB, 4-speed gearbox.

Unveiled at the 1957 London Motor Show at Earls Court, the Lotus Elite was Lotus's first purpose built production GT car coupled with the world's first fiberglass monocoque construction incorporating bonded subframes and integrated suspension pickup points and as always with all Colin Chapmans designs lightness is key. Powered by Coventry Climax FWA 1100cc engine to fit into the new sub 1300cc GT class along with front and rear suspension from the Mk 12 Formula 2 car. In its first pre-production race (in 1600GT class at Silverstone) in came in first and then the very next day came in first again at Mallory Park. Throughout the Type 14 Elites Production it would win its class at Lemans six times along with countless individual wins in local and national championships.

This 1960 Type 14 Lotus Elite S2 is a spectacular example with great provenance, originally sold to Jerry Golden through Jay Chamberlin's California Lotus Dealership then in 1966 to Dennis Ortenburger who penned the book “Lotus Elite: Racing Car for the Street” and tended to this Elite for 47 years. Sold in 2013, the Elite was treated to a full restoration by marque specialist in 2014/2015 in preparation for tours and rallies, highlighted by full paint and interior, an engine upgrade to a 1500cc Climax FWB, Integrated rollbar, chrome wire wheels plus much more. It then went on to participate, without fault, in the 2015 Southwest Passage Rally (a 1,400-mile rally through New Mexico, Colorado and Utah).

A recent road test attests to the restoration and preparation of this Elite and further confirms Colin Chapmans quote of “Simplify then add lightness”. This Elite is one of the finest available and with superb provenance, it is ready for immediate road tour use, show or racing.

Price On Request