1981 Lotus Elite 2.2 For Sale (picture 1 of 146)
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Pre-bids

1981 Lotus Elite 2.2

Highlights

  • An increasingly rare example of the later 2.2-litre Series 2
  • In current ownership for approximately 29 years
  • Engine rebuilt by QED in Leicestershire during current ownership
  • Interior reupholstered and presenting well for its age
  • New tyres and new fuel pump recently fitted

The Appeal


Bold to the core, the 2nd-gen Lotus Elite's wedge-shaped silhouette, slant-four engine and galvanised chassis continue to make for a deeply capable, agile sports car. As you might expect from Colin Chapman's operation, it's a car of unique character - eccentric, striking and purely driver-focused.
This particular car has been in the hands of its current keeper since 1997 - a near 29-year period of single ownership that speaks to the attachment these cars inspire. The engine was rebuilt by QED in Leicestershire, and the interior has been reupholstered. More recently, new tyres and a new fuel pump have been fitted, and the car was driven approximately 13 miles from its storage location to the vendor's home without issue.
This is offered as a running and usable classic that will benefit from some recommissioning after a period of limited use. New bushes are included with the sale but require fitting, and the electrical systems and underside would benefit from a thorough inspection. For someone seeking a rare and characterful British classic with a solid foundation of long-term ownership and specialist engine work, this Lotus Elite S2.2 is ready and waiting to be recommissioned.
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Key Information

  • Mileage: 68,532 miles (stated as correct by the vendor, no independent verification documented)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
  • Technical specs: 2,200cc inline four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual
  • Paperwork: Small collection of invoices

The Detail

  • Engine rebuilt by QED in Leicestershire in 1998
  • New fuel pump recently fitted
  • New tyres recently fitted
  • Battery replaced in 2025 but has gone flat from lack of use
    • Currently requires jump starting but runs with no battery warning light illuminated
  • The vendor states the battery may simply need a full charge
  • Recently driven approximately 13 miles from storage to the vendor's home without issue
  • The vendor states the reupholstered interior is in very good condition
  • Paintwork shows some bubbling in places
  • Bodywork appears largely solid and well-kept
  • Some age-commensurate marks, blemishes and wear throughout
  • Stored in a warehouse for a number of years; more recently kept outside on the drive
  • Would benefit from a thorough clean and recommissioning
  • Some new bushes are included with the car but require fitting
  • Suspension components and underside would benefit from inspection
  • Instruments, switchgear and electrics should be checked as part of recommissioning
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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 fee. 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. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle. 

Pre-bids

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year1981
  • MakeLotus
  • ModelElite
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer68,532 Miles
  • Engine size2200cc
  • TransmissionManual, 5 speed
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownBurbage
  • CountyLeicestershire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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