In 1974, Lotus Cars was looking to change up its image and created a 4-seat sports/touring auto called the Elite Type 75 (later replaced by the Type 83). These cars were produced through 1982 and are not a common sight these days, with their “shooting brake” fiberglass body and rear hatchback. This ’74 edition is said to run great and may not need much beyond new paint. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the British car is available here on craigslist for $9,900 cash or trade for a pontoon boat. Thanks for the tip, Chuck Foster!
The Elite was well-done from an aerodynamics standpoint, with a drag coefficient of 0.30. It was also the world’s most expensive car with a 4-cylinder engine at 120 cubic inches and 155 hp. This was achieved using an aluminum block, 4-valve, twin-carburetor, DOHC Type 907 motor. The body was mounted on a steel backbone chassis evolved from the Elan and Europa models, also with 4-wheel independent suspension. The cars were quick, doing 0-60 mph in eight seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. The fact they only weighed 2,300 was a huge plus.
This edition has only 36,000 miles after some 48 years. There are no issues with its mechanical components (that we know of), so most of the buyer’s attention would be focused on cosmetics. We’re told it has the European front bumper which would have been less adherent to U.S. collision standards of the day. Some new green paint and a good detailing of the interior might just send you on your way.
The Elite was available in four main variations, set apart by equipment levels. We don’t know which one applies to the seller’s car. 501 – “base” version. 502 – added air-conditioning to the base model. 503 – added air-conditioning and power-steering. Does anyone see any A/C plumbing under the hood?
On the right side of the engine bay seems to be a compressor with lines.
Back in the 70s, my girlfriend’s boss drove these. He bought his first one, brand-new in ’75, but had problems with it regularly. It became a running joke at the office when he arrived late, or in a taxi. If he arrived on time, staff joked about calling the tow-truck to get him home.
He assumed it was a lemon, and traded it in on another new one about 18 months later. It was worse…….
I had a 77 Elite, yes lots of problems, this does not have factory wheels, and not the best photos to sell a car.
A compressor,lines and a receiver drier can be seen.
I had a 75 I bought new. Loved that car, even though it broke nearly every time I drove it. After a few years, I tried to sell it, by advertising in LA and NYC. Some guy called after seeing an ad. Asked the mileage – I think it was about 45,000. He said not interested, claimed it was at the end of its expected life.
I’d be interested in having another someday. They do corner amazingly well. Mine achieved 40mph on the highway if I kept my foot out of the carbs.
Right below the oil filter is the beauty we are searching for.
I’d be embarrassed to drive that thing. One of the ugliest cars I have ever seen.
Beautiful car!