Lot details
Registration No: NJN687F
Chassis No: EB1998

- Coventry Climax FEW engine with twin SU Carburettors

- ZF Gearbox , series 1 differential cover 60 spoke 14 inch wheels

- Original type seats and steering wheel Only 46000 recorded and credible miles



The beautifully proportioned Elite arguably looks as good today as when it took the London Motorshow by storm in 1957. Dubbed Lotus Type 14, it was not only Colin Chapman's first production road car but the world's first fibreglass monocoque, and was the work of Peter Kirwan-Taylor, aerodynamicist Frank Costin and John Frayling. The engine, gearbox and front suspension were mounted on a steel subframe bonded into the front of the monocoque, as was a windscreen hoop that provided roll-over protection and mounting points for the door hinges and jacking point. The all-round independent suspension was via wishbones at the front and Chapman struts at the rear. The first 250 bodies were manufactured by Maximar Holdings of Pulborough, while the ensuing c.780 (retrospectively dubbed Series 2 cars) were produced by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, and featured triangulated trailing arms for superior toe-in control. Power was provided by the all-aluminium Coventry Climax FWE SOHC straight-four engine of 1216cc, that had been derived from a water pump unit more usually bolted to a fire truck. With a drag coefficient of 0.29 (a figure that still impresses today) the top speed of this modestly powered sports car was anything up to 120mph. As intended, the Elite proved to be a winner on the track, claiming six class victories at Le Mans as well as two Thermal Efficiency awards.

The Elite being sold is a 1960 example that was first registered eight years later and still only displays 46,000 miles for new - an unwarranted but entirely credible figure. As it should be, it is powered by a twin SU carburettor Climax FWE engine mated to a ZF four-speed gearbox, rides on 60-spoke 14 inch wheels, and retains its original style seats and steering wheel. It comes complete with a full set of MOTs dating back to 1971. A rare opportunity.