Lotus Elite S1 Project

Fantastic opportunity - rare UK registered, right hand drive Lotus Elite Series 1 project.

MK14 Components & Automotive Sporting Heritage are delighted to offer this Type 14 Lotus Elite S1, Chassis no  #1216C in need of full restoration.

This is a very interesting car, that the previous owner had stripped with a view to restoration. However, the project stalled following his death, and it sat in storage for many years before ending up in the deceased estate sale.

Fortunately, in that time it retained most of its parts (with the exception of the main parts of carburettor/s, fuel tank, s/s mouth and heater – all of which we have available). It comes with a Coventry Climax FWE 1216 engine and MG gearbox, alloy brake calipers all round, plus all the difficult to find bits such as original window frames, dials and seats. On inspection, it would appear that the Body Unit is sound and has some truly interesting features – (prospective buyers will need to satisfy themselves of the CBU’s condition and check frame integrity, we can also offer that detailed inspection service as required).

Interestingly though, on receipt of the car, we were delighted to find that the CBU is a Maximar unit, with the rear suspension set-up (rear strut top mounting) used on the prototypes/very early cars. Only the prototypes and roughly first 30 or so cars have the Maximar unit with this early rear set-up. This indicates a very early car – and a desirable rarity in enthusiast and collector circles.

Further investigation of the unit revealed evidence suggesting it had been a race car early on in its life, which would explain the 1965 road registration where, quite possibly once it had finished its racing life, it was put back on the road.   

Unfortunately, we have no documentation (at the moment - although we are looking) that proves this, but the indicators are there - it has a strengthened front end, remote oil filter, oil cooler in the nose – a more modern Mocal unit at present - but it retains the original oil cooler mountings, evidence that a multitude of seats have been fitted on the driver side, and the absence of a heater with even the pipework holes being blocked off.

In addition to all this, the engine appears to have been put together very well and would have been classed as ‘top spec’ back in period - although due to sitting for many years, will require a complete overhaul.  It must be mentioned that the original engine number has been obscured by a later stamp, but with the block casting number being 4000-41 this would also match to an early engine (the Ortenburger book would suggest the number was originally 8180).  Why this was done back in the car's history is unknown other than, these things were not considerd important back in the 1960/70's as they are today and it is important the potential buyers are aware and are comfortable with that fact.

Also, although colour on the log book is described as orange, with some careful detection work, we discovered that its originally paintwork was a match to the BRG Green of the Team Elite cars in period. What a wonderful piece of history, if documentary proof could be found that it was an early race Elite!

The car has ownership history going back to its original road registration in 1965, when it was assigned the registration mark DBF 808C for a Chassis #1216C - which it still holds today – and is confirmed by the copy of its original buff registration book.  

The Elite is listed in the HLR register, comes with a current V5 showing the same details as the buff log book, and a plotted history of receipts for parts and work done through its 5 person ownership.  It again, must be mentioned that this is an acknowledged duplicate chassis number, there being a #1216 present currently residing in the US (there are approximately 40+ cars with such duplicated numbers known in the register) and so prosepctive custodians of this wonderful car must be aware and comfortable with that.

In our opinion, this great car with its wonderful early CBU and solid history back to 1965, is one of the most worthwhile projects we have seen for some time, and is ready to be restored and returned to the road or perhaps put back on the track where, we believe, it started life.

More photographs are available on request and an inspection visit at our workshop is very welcome and recommended, by appointment please. 

The Elite is offered as is, where is, but we are happy, having a full restoration services and parts facility specialising in the Type 14 Elite, to discuss potential rebuild options and of course, would offer a parts and restoration package at favourable rates, should we be engaged to carry out the work for the new owner. 

UK delivery is also available at favourable rates, again please contact us for details.  International shipping can be arranged.