Lotus Elite Coupé, 1962

Chassis No.: EB 1611

£51,750 GBP | Sold

• Long-term ownership 1981-2015
• Four owners from new
• Extensive professional restoration in the late 1990s
• Fewer than 1,000 miles since restoration
• Present ownership since 2015
• ZF gearbox and Weber carburettors

This Lotus Elite had been meticulously maintained and enjoyed by the immediately preceding owner for some 34 years when it was purchased by the current (fourth) owner in May 2015. 'KOO 912' had been delivered new in 1962 to a county cricketer, who bought the Elite with his testimonial match takings. Specialist Miles Wilkins refurbished the Lotus while the car was in the hands of its second owner, who sold it in March 1981 to the aforementioned long-term custodian.

The latter competed with the Elite at various circuit events such as the HSCC Roadsports championship from 1983 until 1988, achieving several class wins and one outright win at Brands Hatch in June '88. 'KOO 912' is fitted with a highly desirable ZF gearbox and twin Weber carburettors, making it one of the more competitive examples.

Subsequently, the car underwent a complete restoration: the bodyshell being restored by Tony Bates in 1995 while the interior was re-upholstered in leather and all trim and carpets replaced. The engine was rebuilt by Tony Mantle of Climax Engine Services at a cost of £4,400, which included replacing the cylinder head. The ZF gearbox was inspected but deemed in good condition, and the clutch plate replaced.

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Fewer than 1,000 miles had been covered post-rebuild when the Elite was purchased at auction by the current vendor in 2015. At that time the car was said to have been set up on a rolling road, with the carburetion and timing adjusted. Parts listed as renewed during the restoration included the chrome wire wheels, wheel spinners, wiring loom, battery, brake pipes, master cylinders, clutch slave cylinder, brake pads, handbrake cable, petrol tank, fuel lines, fuel gauge, fuel gauge sender, speedometer and rev counter drive cables, throttle cable, hoses and rubbers, suspension bushes, engine mounts, steering column doughnut, window frames, windscreen and rear screen, rubber surrounds and trims, and new gutter trims.

Since acquisition the car has been carefully stored at a professional facility and checked over regularly by his own mechanic. While in the vendor's care the car has been repainted black (from Aston Martin Celeste Blue). Offered with a V5C Registration Certificate, this has to be one of the best Elites currently available.

https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/26999/lot/205/1962-lotus-elite-coupe-chassis-no-eb-1611/