Description
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1961 Lotus Elite Type 14 SE
The first-generation Lotus Elite Type 14 made its debut in 1957 and remained in production until 1963. Initially, development was supported by a small number of carefully selected Lotus racing clients before the model was released for general sale. The car was successful in racing from the outset and did indeed secure 6 consecutive class wins at Le Mans and two index of thermal efficiency wins which is unsurprising for a car that weighs less than 600kg capable of returning 40mpg in normal use.
Powered by the 1216cc Coventry Climax engine, the Elite pioneered an advanced glass fibre monocoque construction. A steel subframe was bonded into the front of the monocoque to carry the suspension and engine, complemented by a square-section windscreen hoop that provided mounting points for the door hinges, jacking point, and rollover protection.
The body Design is an all fibreglass unitary monocoque, constructed from 8 double walled Fibreglass sections bonded together. There is no visible bare fibreglass evident anywhere on the car which belies its construction, even in the wheel arches or boot and bonnet undersides. The only metal sections consist of a small subframe forward of the engine to strengthen the front suspension and an A frame around the windscreen which also supports the doors. The earliest body shells were produced by Maximar Mouldings of Pulborough, before manufacture was later entrusted to the Bristol Aeroplane Company.
This fine Series 2 Special Equipment model retains its original Coventry Climax engine with twin SU carburettors, a four-branch manifold, and the desirable close-ratio ZF gearbox. Supplied via Chequered Flag this car was built by the factory (not supplied as a kit as many were) and first registered in March 1961, it sits on chrome wire wheels fitted with new Pirelli Cinturato tyres. The specification also includes Spax adjustable shock absorbers all round, a recently renewed electric fan and fuel pump, and a stainless-steel exhaust system.
There is a list of previous owners and the red leather interior was renewed at the time of restoration and remains in excellent order.
An iconic sports car, this Elite has featured in Historic Lotus Club magazines and been displayed at annual club dinners. Unlike most examples, it has never been raced. Notably, it took part in a 60-car cavalcade at Castle Combe to celebrate the Elite’s 60th anniversary, as pictured.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a correct and highly sought-after example of one of Lotus’s most innovative and celebrated designs.
The car has a current MOT certificate valid until August 2026.
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