1962 Lotus Elite Series 2

Registration No: 22 DYW
Chassis No: 1621
MOT: Exempt

• Believed to have started life as an SU-carburetted car, but uprated to 'Super 95' specification with twin Weber 40DCOEs
• Understood to have been previously exported to Germany and used for racing and then repatriated in the 1990's
• Pleasingly retains many original features, including much of its original interior

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 1,508lb. kerb weight). Perhaps influenced by the FIA's recently introduced 1,300cc GT racing class, the newcomer's specification included Formula Two-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 a 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 Coupé's 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 1,600cc opposition. As successful abroad as on British circuits, the Elite won its class at Le Mans every year from 1959 to 1964. When the Series II appeared, it brought improvements to the rear suspension and the interior, as well as the option of higher-performance engines such as the twin-Weber Super 95 option, so named for its claimed 95bhp.

This beautiful 1962 Elite is understood to have been built originally as a standard model with SU carburettors, but it now benefits from twin Weber 45DCOEs as per the desirable Super 95 specification. It is thought that it was exported to Germany many years ago where it saw some use in racing, but it had returned to Britain by the 1990s to be enjoyed simply as a lively road car; the M.O.T. record suggests it was returned to the road in 1993 and enjoyed on a regular basis thereafter.

It has had only two owners since 1994, the present owner having acquired it in 2004 from Sherwood Restorations, part-exchanging his Westfield Megablade. The only major work the Lotus has received in that time was the reupholstering of the seats, interior panels by David Beswick Coach Trimming in 1997, the work costing £1,175; the dash and steering wheel, however, appear to be pleasingly original. The car was damaged while parked in 2008, and subsequently benefited from the repairs and refurbishment of the front panel and nearside front wing by Bideford Repair Centre and The Plastic Surgeon. Otherwise, occasional light servicing has kept it in fine fettle. It is offered with the V5C, an historic V5, several old M.O.T. certificates, and assorted invoices.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430