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The revolutionary aspect behind the Lotus Elite is its fibreglass monocoque. The body is made up of 5 large pieces which sandwich together, forming a complete car. The near-absence of metal within the body provides for a extremely light-weight, nible car. The monocoque material comes at a tradeoff as the glassfibre likes to flex. Any attempts to stop such movement usually result in cracking of the shell.

Lotus adapted much of its grand prix racing techology into the Elite. Beyond the weight, the Elite offered four-wheel independ suspension, discs all around (including inboard rear brakes) and a very low areodynamic drag. At 0.29Cd, the Elite even outperforms the 2002 Acura NSX which brags a Cd of .30 .

Compared to the other sports cars of the era, the Elite was ahead of its time. A heavy inclusion of race-inspired technology made both Lotus and owners of the car soon realize the costs involved. Maintenance was expensive and Lotus made every car at a loss. Despiite this fact, over 1000 examples were made which represent the pinacle of automotive engineering for the period.

Chassis & Sales

1962 Lotus Elite Series II - sold for $91,260 This Elite, chassis number 1569 has been in the caring hands of a Lotus collector for almost 30 years. Doug Nye noticed it at a meet in Great Britain in 1980, and noted that the red Series II had a gleaming engine bay and chrome wire wheels. Instead of the normal MG gearbox, this Elite has the superior ZF close ratio box, and the Climax engine boasts the twin Weber carburetors rather than the SUs The FWE engine has been rebuild by the famous T... more
Gallery: 2008 Monterey Preview

963 Lotus Elite SE - sold for $99,000 As one of 1,035 examples originally produced and one of only 710 believed to remain today, this Elite boasts the kind of history, select ownership and enviable features that distinguish it among the most sought-after examples. As a Special Equipment model, the car offers a close-ratio ZF transmission, a Stage 2 high-lift camshaft, Weber carburetors and Borrani wire wheels with new Pirelli tires. In its striking livery, this Lotus was displayed... more
Gallery: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company

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