Looking to move up-market, Lotus Cars produced the Lotus Elite between 1974-82. It was considerably larger than its predecessor, the Elan Plus 2, and had 4-passenger seating. The Elite had a fiberglass “shooting brake” body style with a big glass rear hatch that opened into the luggage compartment. This first-year edition has been in the same family for more than 40 years and needs work to be roadworthy again. Located in Vancouver, Washington, this British-built car is available here on craigslist for $5,195.
The Elite’s body was mounted on a chassis developed from the Lotus Elan and Europa. It was the first Lotus car to use an aluminum block, 4-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder Type 907 engine with a displacement of 1,973-cc and a healthy 155 hp. As a result, the car could wind up to 125 mph if needed. A 5-speed manual transmission was one of the choices which can be found in the seller’s 1974 edition. At the time, it was considered the world’s most expensive 4-cylinder automobile. Just 2,535 copies of the Elite were ever built.
We’re told the seller’s car runs and drives, but it’s not ready for much more than yard use given that the brakes are bad. The odometer reads just 35,000 miles, so the Lotus has been sitting on the family’s property more than it’s been on the road. Because of their low production and spotty distribution in the U.S., these are vehicles you don’t see very often these days. That suggests that getting parts is not as simple as making a trip down to the Auto Zone store. Do any of our readers have experience with one of these cars?
Damn that’s a good price. If that was closer it would be mine.
great price — for the seller. However, it is a great road car. Comfortable, fast. Electronic ignition a must as the dizzy is hidden. Adjust valve shims every 10k miles which requires much time and patience.
Lotus never made that move upmaket pay off. Their only real success in later years was the Elise. I think that fibreglass is a no-go for people paying a lot of money for a car.
Ironically, carbon fibre brings premium prices…..
The Elite was styled wrong too. With too small an engine. All these comments were made when it was launched. A pity when you consider the relative positions of Porsche and Lotus in 1969 with where they are now.
The ad is gone now, i had a red 77.
Fantastic cars that also won a design safety award for Ollie Winterbottom and his team. I have restored a fair few of these and the worst part too work on is the rear brakes on the early models. But, there are ways to simplify the job. Keep them serviced like any other car, and they will keep a smile on your face.
I always liked these – had a toy one as a kid, Tomica iirc – and at the same time I think it looks like a Gremlin that the cook pressed down with the spatula too much.