Lotus Elite Series II Coupe-Auction Lot, 1962

Lotus Elite

Lotus Elite•‌
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Chassis No.: EB2331948

Engine No.: 10760

Body Colour: Red

The Lotus Elite was launched at the London Motor Show at Earls Court, London, in 1957 as a unique fibreglass 'monocoque' construction. The car was regarded as a very pretty design back in the day and it went on to enjoy great success, both on road and track, even racing at Le Mans - where it won its class no less than six times at La Sarthe.The 'SE' and 'Super' models followed shortly thereafter featuring twin Webers, a fabricated exhaust manifold, a ZF gearbox, Lucas PL700 headlamps and a silver coloured roof.

Between 1958 and 1963 just 1030 Elite's had been produced in total, worldwide.This charming Lotus Elite is a Series II model featuring a Bristol Aircraft Company built body, triangulated trailing radius arms for improved toe-in control and Girling disc brakes. First registered on 18th September 1962 in York, its first change of owner was on 12th July 1968 to a Mr Howard Rawlinson of Stockport, Cheshire eventually leading to renowned Lotus Collector and Racer, Malcolm Ricketts of Ricketts Racing, who cherished our Elite from 1983 for the next 20 years within his famed Historic Lotus Collection and he still always asks after it whenever met.

In the history file there are an incredible record of bills and receipts dating back to 1969. Much correspondence between owners, Coventry Climax and ZF Great Britain are present, along with many other receipts for maintenance work carried out. An original buff registration book details ownership changes and MoT test certificates back to 1983, when the car had covered only 46,814 miles. The car has a current odometer reading of just over 65,000 miles.

A letter detailing specifications and history - presumably from a previous owner of 910 CBL - dated 28th January 1970 states the car as having a respray and the engine upgraded to Stage 2 specification in 1969. In the handling section it mentions: "Handling is naturally superb with a characteristically gradual transition from under to over steer. N/S front wheel can be lifted". More recent work included a complete driveshaft overhaul in 2003 by Ricketts Racing. In addition, in 2010 John Exley Developments rebuilt the engine, taking the usual opportunity to upgrade the capacity to 1,500cc and found the engine to be "very unmolested" and "in good condition" upon dismantling.

This example also sports the more desirable ZF gearbox and twin SU carburettors, arguably the most desirable specification of all the Elites built.

The Lotus Elite continues to attract overseas interest with reports of several similar cars now being enjoyed in the Far East. This is a delightful car in fine order. A UK V5 registration certificate, current MoT and handsome history file accompany the sale of this desirable car.

SPECIFICATION

Lot Number

126

Make

LOTUS

Model

ELITE SERIES II