Highlights
- Little use and careful storage since completion
- Recent recommissioning to fuel system, carburettors and brakes
- Mechanically good, structural sound and cosmetically good basis for development
- One of only 1,030 Elites
- Original 1.2litre Coventry Climax engine
The Appeal
Colin Chapman was one of motoring’s greatest blue sky thinkers. Not for him the world of convention.
Take his original Elite, a car driven by the idea of doing things better by doing them differently. The sleek aerodynamics - it had a drag coefficient of just 0.29, years before the the slippery Audi 100 - and ultra light fibreglass bodywork ensured this pretty sports car only needed 1.2litres to keep up with an E-Type. It handled well too, thanks to that low weight and nimble Chapman engineering including the clever steel subframe system.
Just 1,030 were built and this is one of the earlier Series 1 cars. Finished in attractive dark grey metallic with silver roof, it is a pretty car with a very original black vinyl interior. The comprehensive history file records work by model specialists Simon Hadfield and Stuart Rolt covering running gear, engine and transmission. This work was some years ago, since when it has been carefully dry stored and little used.
The seller has recently checked over car, including fuel system, carburettors and brakes. It presents with some minor cosmetic marks, but nothing that seriously detracts. Mechanically and structurally very sound, this lightly patinated Elite could be enjoyed as is or form the basis of a concours restoration.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1959
- Previously registered in California to Davis James Allen, Orange County
- UK registration on 05/01/1989 to M Eyre
- Purchased on 08/12/2004 at H&H Auction by the current keeper
- MOT certificate from 11/10/2004 at 46,549 miles showing little subsequent use
- Full inspection by marque specialist Simon Hadfield on 06/01/1989 shown in photos
- Letter from M Eyre dated 19/11/2004 confirming reconditioning work
- Recent recommissioning work by the current owner, including carburettor, fuel pump, and brake system
- Running gear reportedly reconditioned in 1989 by specialist Simon Hadfield
- Engine and gearbox reconditioned around the same time by Climax specialist Stuart Rolt
- Receipts for recent parts used included in the file
- Californian registration plate and documents dated 1974
- Dry stored since acquired by current keeper in 2004
- Dennis Ortenburg Lotus model book included
Recent recommissioning work prior to sale:
- Carburettors cleaned and overhauled
- Fuel pump cleaned and refitted
- Fuel tank cleaned and fresh fuel added
- Brake master cylinder and seals
- Front brake callipers and hoses
The Condition
- Very pretty car in two-tone grey and silver metallic which follows factory style
- Paintwork presents well but with some crazing, stone chips, scuffs and cracks to note
- Fibreglass bodywork appears to present well with no damage or visible deterioration
- Painted wire wheels in good order with older tyres fitted
- Underside presents well and can be viewed in photographs
- Original interior with seats and door trims in very good condition
- Some cabin deterioration to note to dashboard and certain fittings
- These marks and issues are not unsightly and likely easily remedied
- Some deterioration to rubber seals visible in photographs
- Three spoke original Nardi steering wheel
- Grey carpets present well with no obvious damage
- Black vinyl seats in good order and appearing to be factory correct
The Mechanics
- 1,220cc Coventry Climax engine appears to be matching numbers
- Recent attention to carburettors and fuel system
- Features rear suspension from Lotus 12 F2 race car
- 4-speed manual MG gearbox
- Rear brake callipers are NR type Girling with original handbrake linkage
- Complete running gear reconditioned by Simon Hadfield some years but few miles ago
- Engine and transmission reconditioned by Climax specialist Stuart Rolt as above
- Recent work to brakes outlined above
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
