Description
Lotus Elite 503 was first registered in 1975 and features bright red coachwork and contrasting beige interior.
The pop-up headlights function as they should with tidy engine, this car is in full running order. We bought the car from a private buyer and since then we have used it sparingly but at regular classic car meets. A good example of the Lotus mark from the 70's with bold wedge shaped sports car this was Lotus's first fill four seater Sports car with 2 litre twin cam 16 valve and 5 speed gearbox.
The Elite maintained all of founder Colin Chapman's traditions of engineering elegance and superb handling.
Lovely thing, and drives superbly well and happily will sit in traffic and a well-looked after one is a special experience. It handles brilliantly and has fully independent suspension.
Very well looked after as evident by the extensive documented history file, it has been has been kept dry garaged, since we bought it.
The Lotus was originally offered in three trim options, 501, 502 and 503, as confirmed on the Heritage Certificate, this model is the 503. This came with a better stereo, quartz headlights and power steering.
Alll electrical switchgear is in original and in good shape.
Cream cloth interior but with the usual wear and tear to the drivers seat bolster. The car is in good condition with room for detail improvement.
Whilst MOT exempt, it has a Current MOT to November 2025.
Only 2, 500 of these ground-breaking cars were ever produced with 687 in 1974. A well known source suggested that there are only 25 left in the UK with an MOT.
So this could be your opportunity to own a rare 1970's car which are gaining in popularity.
An easy car to live with and great fun to drive, it's hard not to like.
If anyone would like to see a video - prior to looking - I do have one I took, which I could send via WhatsApp or provide a link just PM me. This Lotus has 100+ pages of history.
Manufactured in 1974 and first registered 1975.
Originally a demonstrator at Bell & Colvill.
Comes with the original brochures and factory marketing materials.
Owners pack.
Wading through the paperwork you will find widespread and detailed notes on how the Lotus was looked after by its custodians.
Includes: exhaust, brakes, carb kits, wheel bearing, oil seal, bush kits, driveshaft joints and so on
plus;
Includes a heritage certificate
Galvanised Chasis replacement
Camelot and Tensioner replaced in 2020.
New Battery.
New Tyres tilled 2022
Water Pump rebuilt in 2016.
All electrics work and engine is sweet.
The the rear brakes and clutch all overhauled in November 2024 by Lotus specialist Maidstone Sports. Comes with original log books and documents.
Price will include many Lotus Elite Spares not least:
Aluminium Windscreen and Side trim
Rare original Airbox (should you want to replace the fitted K&N filters
Bag with all sorts of fuses, hoses etc.
Lotus Workshop Manual
Folder containing receipts, MOTS, Manual and Original Log book.
Spare Oil Filter (though new one fitted one month ago, along with oil change)
Good spares availability should they be needed from SJS Sportcars and Lotus Bits.
