Lot details Registration No: LLC800P Chassis No: 0384A Mot Expiry: April 2007
During the 1970s, Lotus won no fewer than four Formula 1 World Championship Constructors' titles (1970, 1972, 1973 and 1978). Anxious to translate such competition success into a commercial return, Colin Chapman began to push upmarket with the marque's road car range. Spearheading this movement, the Elite was introduced in May 1974. Boasting a cabin styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the four-seater was discernibly more luxurious than its predecessors. Notably aerodynamic for the time, its distinctive 'wedge' shaped body was bonded to a revised version of the backbone chassis first seen in the Elan. With perfect 50:50 weight distribution, all round independent coil-over-wishbone suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, the Elite handled with typical fluidity and grace (Road & Track magazine commenting that "the steering, ride, handling and braking are everything we have come to expect from a Lotus - and more. In a word, fabulous"). Developing 160bhp and 140lbft of torque, the model's new type 907 DOHC 1973cc four-cylinder engine could be ordered with either manual or automatic transmission. Reputedly capable of 120mph, the 'family friendly' Lotus remained in production until 1983 by which time just 2,535 are thought to have been made.
Finished in maroon with cream half-leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. A comparatively early car, its odometer shows an unwarranted 60,257 miles. Riding on alloy wheels, it is offered for sale with "12 months" MOT certificate.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until April 2007.
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