1961 Lotus Elite S2 - Garage Stored

LOTUS ELITE S2  - Oct 1961

We are delighted to be selling this Lotus Elite on behalf of its current owner, and truly believe it to be an excellent entry level Elite, that can, with a little work be enjoyed as is, but with the potential to make it something truly special.

Lotus Elite chassis No. 1740 has just come out of long term storage

With just 3 owners from new, it has been in current family ownership since the 1990's - some 35 years! During that period, the car has used, loved, driven and cared for by various members of the family, but the time has now come for it to be passed on a new custodian.

This Elite is a matching numbers, original R/ H/ D car, with the desirable ZF gearbox and twin SU carbs. Although we consider this to be a project, the car is complete with all the difficult to find/ expensive parts present. The engine starts readily and runs well - although the clutch is non-operative at present, which appears to be the cars only real mechanical fault.

The last 2004 MOT showed a mileage of 89, 000 miles - the car is currently showing 282 which puts the total mileage at 100, 282 miles. Taking in to account the long term storage over the last 15 years, we have no reason to suspect this is not its genuine mileage.

The Elite comes with a raft of invoices that show that amount of which has been lavished on it over the years. The current owner bought the car in its yellow paintwork, however, we believe it was originally finished in red. The paint is serviceable, but is now showing signs of cracking and wear. The interior's black upholstery and carpets are original, and whilst used, are in remarkably good condition.

As such, this lovely Elite would make a great foundation for a full restoration or could simply be put back on the road at a reasonable cost, making it a very cost effective way of owning one of these iconic cars.

Automotive Sporting Heritage in partnership with MK14 Components are specialists in the Lotus Elite. As such, we have comprehensively examined this Elite, and produced our 130 point vehicle check report which comes with the car. Our findings confirm the car has seen much attention during its life, is a running car and apart from the non-operative clutch (which we believe a replacement master/ slave cylinder would solve) there are no major faults or missing parts. However, this vehicle is considered a project and therefore there are areas that would benefit from attention. This is reflected in the price.

As always, we would be happy to discuss with the potential new owners, long term servicing needs, parts supply, repair work and general information on owning and running and Elite.

Realistically priced at £37,500