1963 Lotus Elite Special Equipment

Lot details
Registration No: 323 CDA
Chassis No: EB2018
Mot Expiry: None

"The road manners of the Elite come as near to those of a racing car as the ordinary motorist would ever experience" (Autocar, May 1960)
Unveiled at the1957 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, its amazing 0.29 cd allowed all but the basic variant to claim 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. Although, the contract to manufacture the Type 14's innovative GRP monocoque was initially entrusted to Maximar boatbuilders, it was transferred after 280 or so units to the Bristol Aircaft company. Coinciding with revisions to the rear suspension layout, an improved interior and increased engine power, this switch heralded the emergence of the Series Two in mid 1960.

Finished in Lagoon Blue over Silver with black upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "very good" (interior trim, gearbox) or "excellent" (engine, electrical equipment, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. A late Series Two car, '323 CDA' was reportedly involved in a road traffic accident during 1968 that necessitated the exchange of its original monocoque EB1988 for a Lotus-supplied replacement EB2018. Still awaiting completion by the time it entered the current (fourth) ownership in 1980, the Elite is said to have been "progressively restored and improved" thereafter. As well as a respray and retrim, the coupe received considerable attention to its factory-fitted Coventry-Climax FWE engine, ZF close-ratio four-speed manual gearbox, suspension, brake system and 4.22:1 differential. Fed by twin carburettors, '323 CDA' has apparently covered just 500 miles since work was completed. Though, the seller feels that some recommissioning would be advisable prior to sustained road use. A stunning motorcar, it is offered for sale with history file, workshop manual and restoration invoices.