Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1963 Lotus Elite Super 95
Estimate
£32, 000 - £37, 000
Registration No: 5256 BH
Chassis No: EB2471940
MOT: T. B. A
Owned by a Lotus enthusiast
Fitted with FWE engine mated to an MG gearbox
Offered with restoration invoices, letters, notes and old MoT certificates
Unveiled at the 1957 London Motor Show, the Elite (Type 14) was not only Colin Chapman's first production road car but also the world's first fibreglass monocoque (a contributory factor to its reputed 684kg kerb weight). Perhaps influenced by the FIA's recently introduced 1300cc GT racing class, the newcomer's specification included F2-derived all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes (inboard at the rear). Powered by a Coventry-Climax SOHC four-cylinder engine mated to four-speed manual transmission the basic variant claimed a top speed of over 120mph. The work of Peter Kirwin-Taylor, aerodynamicist Frank Costin and John Frayling, the coupe's super sleek silhouette is still considered a masterpiece. Unsurprisingly, given its radical design (and Chapman's budget constraints), the first running prototype did not emerge until May 10th 1958. Driven straight to Silverstone by Ian Walker, it promptly won a production sports car race against 1600cc opposition. As successful abroad as on British circuits, the Elite won its class at Le Mans every year from 1959-1964.
More information to follow:
