1959 Lotus Elite

Lot details
Registration No: MSU 900
Chassis No: 1129
Mot Expiry: Oct 2005

When launched at the 1957 Earls Court Show, the Lotus Elite was truly ground-breaking. For when their competitors were, for the most part, making their cars, even their sportscars, with steel bodywork, here was Colin Chapman's innovative minnow of a motor manufacturer producing a really attractive Grand Tourer with a monoque bodyshell in glass reinforced plastic.
Apart from the aerodynamic efficiency of the coupe body, as a result of Coventry Climax overhead cam four-cylinder 1.2-litre power unit and lightweight shell, the power to weight ratio was impressive. The rear suspension had first been seen on Chapman's Lotus 12 F2 single-seater. Ingeniously, a steel sub-frame carried wishbone and coil suspension with the anti-roll bar doubling as half top wishbones, while at the back were Chapman struts, lower wishbones and radius arms.
Offered here is a standard specification, right-hand drive Series 1 with 1220cc four-cylinder Coventry-Climax and four-speed MG gearbox which was exported when new in 1959 to the US, there being documentation of file indicating Californian ownership. The fixed head was repatriated and re-registered with current MSU 900 plates in January 1990 when a most comprehensive condition report (a copy of which may be inspected among the car's documents) was prepared for the current owner by specialist Simon Hadfield. During this ownership, suspension was refurbished by Hadfield and original engine and transmission reconditioned by Stuart Rolt. Electrical items reportedly work.
Successfully MOT-tested last month, current condition of monocoque is said to be sound with older respray in dark blue over grey with silver roof tired, but pretty, and grey interior again sound, though not smart.