Full nut and bolt rebuild by retired engineer completed in 2014
Stripped to bare chassis with rebuilt engine, gearbox, rear axle, diff and suspension
Fully re-trimmed and repainted in original Siberian Sable colour
Champagne interior painstakingly restored to factory original specification
Comprehensive documentation pack with many invoices included
The Appeal
The Lotus Elite 501, internally known as the Type 75, marked Lotus's ambitious entry into the grand tourer market in the mid-1970s. Combining striking wedge-shaped Giugiaro styling and Lotus's typical "simplify and add lightness" formula, the Elite 501 remains one of the most celebrated cars from Hethel's golden era.
This 1975 example comes to market following a comprehensive restoration completed in 2014 by a retired engineer. The work was thorough and exacting: the car was stripped to its bare chassis and meticulously rebuilt from the ground up, with the engine, gearbox, rear axle, differential and suspension all receiving attention. The bodywork was refinished in its original Siberian Sable colour, whilst the champagne interior was painstakingly restored to factory original specification—the vendor describes it as the best they've seen in an Elite, with the headlining alone costing over £1,000.
The car was acquired by the current keeper in March 2022, reportedly as the best Elite available at that time. A comprehensive documentation pack with many invoices accompanies the sale, providing reassurance of the quality and extent of work undertaken.
It should be noted that the car currently requires some attention: it will not start when turned over, with a suspected fault in the ignition system, and the brakes have partially seized. The vendor describes this as minor mechanical work, though collection will need to be arranged on a trailer/transporter with winch. For the enthusiast seeking a beautifully restored Elite that requires recommissioning, or for someone looking to complete a high-quality restoration project, this represents an intriguing opportunity.image.png937.73 KB
History and Paperwork
UK market RHD car first registered in 1975
Current ownership since March 2022
Full nut and bolt rebuild completed in 2014 by a retired engineer
Stripped to a bare chassis and rebuilt from ground up
Engine, gearbox, rear axle, diff and suspension all rebuilt during restoration
Comprehensive documentation pack with many invoices included
Believed to be 501 model specification due to lack of air conditioning and power-assisted steering
New registration plates included to match V5C: 'GJK 112N' (private registration currently displayed on the car not included)
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