1978 Lotus Elite Coupé

Chassis no. 78/0702010

Footnotes

"The most startling aspect of the car was Oliver Winterbottom's wedge-like design. With its ground-hugging 0.3Cd styling and tailgate access to the small boot it combined elements of contemporary F1 aerodynamics with on-road practicality and the ability to carry (just) a quartet of adults in its Giugiaro-penned interior." – Ian Adcock on the Lotus Elite, Lotus Heritage.

The introduction of the four-seater Elite in 1974 signalled a move up market by Lotus, further distancing the firm from its kit-car origins. The newcomer's backbone chassis, all-independent suspension, and resulting brilliant handling were already Lotus hallmarks, but the 2.0-litre, 16-valve slant-four engine - the company's first own-brand power unit - was new, though it had already been tried in the Jensen-Healey sports car. Roomier than previous models, and glassfibre-bodied like its predecessors, the wedge-styled Elite offered even greater practicality in the form of a hatchback rear door. The Elite was able to shrug off the inevitable increase in weight thanks to its new 160bhp engine and was good for a top speed of 124mph (199km/h), accomplishing the dash from 0-60mph (96km/h) in 7.8 seconds. Models ranged from the basic 501 through to the automatic-transmission 504. Types 502 and 503 offered superior equipment levels, the latter enjoying the benefits of air conditioning, power-assisted steering and electric windows. In its final 1980-82 incarnation, the model boasted an engine enlarged to 2.2 litres, becoming the Elite 2.2.

Finished in grey with black interior, the Elite offered here was delivered new to Mr Alan Porter on 24th August 1978 via dealer Edgar Schwyn AG in Zurich, Switzerland. According to the service book, the last service was carried out on 10th April 1981 at 34,180 kilometres (the current odometer reading is 42,850 kilometres). The car has not been driven for some considerable time and failed to start when inspected. It will need a thorough check over and careful re-commissioning/restoration before returning to the road. The car is registered in Switzerland and comes with an owner's handbook and the aforementioned service book.