The Type 75 Lotus Elite shooting brake and its fastback variant, the Eclat, were released in 1974 as a replacement for the Elan 2+2. Like their predecessors, the Elite and Eclat had a fiberglass body mounted on a steel backbone chassis. They were particularly notable as being the very last Lotus road cars that were designed with direct input from founder Colin Chapman. The Type 75 was intended to push Lotus upmarket and away from its kit car origins, so much so that at the time of its introduction, the Elite was the most expensive four-cylinder car in the world. Despite being the largest and most luxurious Lotus model to date, the Elite weighed in at only around 2500 lbs. Available here on eBay is this well-preserved 1974 Lotus Elite, located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Just out of long-term storage, the fiberglass body of this first-year Elite is said to be in good condition. The wedge styling that gained favor with some British car designers of the 1970s may be polarizing but makes for a unique package, especially when combined with the shooting brake body style. It’s finished in Regency Red paint that the owner believes should buff out. All glass is in good condition except the windshield which is cracked, though a quick search shows that a replacement is available in the UK for around $586 plus shipping.
The Elite is fitted with the all-aluminum Type 907 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four engine that had been previously used in the Jensen-Healey. As a US-spec car, this one is fitted with side draft Zenith-Stromberg carburetors as opposed to the Dell’Orto carburetors available elsewhere. The exhaust exits through a correct stainless steel system. The owner states that the engine runs fine from a jug of gas, but that the fuel tank will need to be cleaned out. Despite sitting for some time, the brakes and clutch are said to feel good. The wheels are in good condition, though the tires are old and will need to be replaced due to age.
The tan interior which appears to be a suede or velour material is in good condition, though it could use a cleaning. There are four bucket seats with the large backbone chassis running down the middle, creating a cozy cocooned area for each passenger. Being a 2+2, it can be assumed that the rear seats are only for children or occasional use by adults. The owner states that the car is equipped with factory air conditioning, though it’s not said how well it works. If the experience of driving a Lotus is not enough entertainment, there is also a factory 8-track player installed. Documentation includes books, an owner’s manual, service records, and registration history from new.
At the time of writing, bidding sits at $3550 with no reserve. Even with the cost of a new windshield and set of tires factored in, there is potential for a good deal for the right buyer. How do you rate this Lotus Elite among other British offerings of the era?
Knowing little about it, my guess is that it’s a project not for the faint of heart.
Lotus made some beautiful cars but unfortunately this isn’t one of them, especially with the headlights up. UGH!
Uglier than a Pacer, second in ugly to the Pontiac Aztec.
The back end looks like a ford pinto…
Restoring a lotus is challenging. They are small and it requires contortions my back has trouble doing now. The motor is low on torque. Electrics, headlights, and rusted frames are common issues. The interior materials are difficult to source and it is not the most popular in the looks department.
Even with all that I have wanted one since the first time I had a ride in one. They are amazingly balanced and I like the way they look.
Lets say it as it is SMS….This car definitely is not a looker…I don’t care it a Lotus…besides, imagine driving this car and people looking you…not for me
Stu, I can’t help it. Went to High School in the ‘70’s. My sense of style was ruined.
Your too funny, the problem with this car, it has too many different lines that don’t flow together! Add that dog of a 4banger motor and it’s a disaster….
I bought one of them once; had the idea to transplant the drivetrain into my FD Victor. Engine went pop; sold the dogleg 5-speed in disgust…
This car has an incredibly stealth air conditioning installation.
Wow. Looks like a science project. Like the Cigar lighter. Plenty of time to smoke one while you’re rowing the gears
I’m sure the original owners must have driven around War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock at a copy Razorback games.
Stop it guys, I can’t stop laughing…
About the last thing I’d expect to be found in “Our Kansas”
I would love to own this car, but not sight unseen, and I doubt my ability to source parts and to properly restore it
Parts are plentiful. I have restored several. This being an early model the chassis along the rear crossmember will require checking and at the front near the radiator mounts. Rear brakes can be a bit of pig to do but once you know what your doing, there’s no problem. If the cars been laid up you MUST change the timing belt regardless of miles. Service maintain and drive. Great handling which is hard to beat.
I drove the first one if these in America when I worked for a large Lotus dealer in Van Nuys California. Nobody wanted a Lotus franchise but when they were brand new, everyone wanted to sell Jensen Healeys but to get Jensen you had to take on Lotus. This was of course, before anyone knew how bad the Jensen Healey was . . . the only car worse was the Lotus.
I used to service a pair of these in the late 80’s at the Jag shop I worked at then…good handling, but so underwhelming in the power dept, and the thought of doing distributor still makes my back ache lol
What made some of these british cars so bad was the overbearing, disdainful arrogance of the factories and the service managers of the dealerships. NONE of these clowns listened to the legitimate complaints of the paying customers, resulting in their well deserved demise. Good Bye and good riddance.
Goodbye and good ridance strange comment when they are going from strength to strength. Yes, they had issues under previous management but like many other manufacturers they are past that and moving forwards imbglad to say.
John, when I said that I was referring to the deplorable ATTITUDE of those in positions of influence. NONE of them are around anymore and have been replaced by mostly foreigners from China, India and german management (as in the case of Rolls Royce or Mini).
I can see that…
Wonder if one could stuff a SBC in it? You’d certainly be a singular car at the cruise!
No
https://dailyturismo.com/v8-engine-power-1978-lotus-elite/
It has been done. In the case of a Lotus 907, I’m not sure the Detroit V8 weighs less than the British four cylinder it replaces, unless you get an aluminum LS.
I had a red 77 many years ago, and just like the first sentence says its a shooting break, not brake.
Break has been changed now.
Howie Mueler….
Definitely who bought this car for $7,100.00 didn’t get their eye prescription check.
Goodbye and good ridance strange comment when they are going from strength to strength. Yes, they had issues under previous management but like many other manufacturers they are past that and moving forwards imbglad to say.
The attitude of management of just about any British car company was summed up by Sir Wm Lyons of Jaguar when asked why the heaters in his cars were pitiful – “”Why don’t you just wear your coat” he briskly snapped back, clearly annoyed that some thought cars should be comfortable!
I had never heard that story about ¨Sir¨ Lyons, but it sums up what the basic problem was quite well.
And as far as the writer’s assertion that some British manufacturers embraced wedge styling, uh, gee I think the Fiat X1/9 was first, followed by the (Ferrari) Dino 308GT4 . . . the original BMW 530i and 320 were also clearly wedge influenced. That trend was world wide, sort of like Covid.
I wasn’t implying that British designers were the first to embrace wedge styling but it was a trend in the mid-‘70s, I specifically had the Triumph TR7 and Rover SD1 in mind.
Well, seems like this find has evoked many opinions. I for one think they are and were great cars and the following renditions of the Excel. Check out LotusRescue in the UK on Face Book. Under my name.
Sold, $7,100.
Thats a pretty fair price for an early car. Good luck to the buyer. There are plenty of forums on the net that can help with any technical problems or parts suppliers. Or give me a shout. PM me if your on here. Advice freely given.