Registration No: NMX 72
Chassis No: EB2301912
MOT: Exempt

• Fitted with twin SU carburettors and ZF gearbox
• Current family ownership since 2008
• Offered with a collection of invoices and a handwritten list of work carried out
• Fitted with new chrome wire wheels in 2008
  

Unveiled at the 1957 London Motor Show, the Elite (Type 14) was not only Colin Chapman's first production road car but also the world's first fibreglass monocoque (a contributory factor to its reputed 684kg kerb weight). Perhaps influenced by the FIA's recently introduced 1300cc GT racing class, the newcomer's specification included F2-derived all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes (inboard at the rear). Powered by a Coventry-Climax SOHC four-cylinder engine mated to four-speed manual transmission the basic variant claimed a top speed of over 120mph. The work of Peter Kirwin-Taylor, aerodynamicist Frank Costin and John Frayling, the coupe's super sleek silhouette is still considered a masterpiece. Unsurprisingly, given its radical design (and Chapman's budget constraints), the first running prototype did not emerge until May 10th 1958. Driven straight to Silverstone by Ian Walker, it promptly won a production sports car race against 1600cc opposition. As successful abroad as on British circuits, the Elite won its class at Le Mans every year from 1959-1964.

The SE was introduced in 1960 as a higher-performance variant, featuring twin SU carburettors and fabricated exhaust manifold resulting in engine power output increasing to 85bhp (instead of 75bhp), a ZF gearbox in place of the standard MG version, Lucas PL700 headlamps and a roof painted in Silver. Believed to be an SE iteration of the Type 14 Elite, this example, at first glance, visibly possesses the twin SU carburettors and Lucas PL headlamps and wears the Silver painted roof, complementing the Red paintwork very well and is fitted with the ZF gearbox.

Offered at the sale from a deceased estate, it possesses a health-check document, a collection of invoices and old MOTs. A handwritten list work carried out accompanies the Elite and documents mechanical work and restoration since 1977. The Elite was last re-painted in Red c.1990. Relatively recent work includes the following: A reconditioned steering rack in 2002; front and rear wishbones in the early 2000s; driveshaft and diff bearings with oil seals, rear disc pads, rebuilt dynamo and a reconditioned voltage regulator in 2006 and new chrome wire wheels in 2008.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760