1959 Lotus Elite Series 1

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.

✓ 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.. 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]

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here