Model Guides (Chassis Histories)

1960 Lotus Elite Type 14 (#1004)

Mark Brinker

1960 Lotus Elite Type 14 Project

Buying the proverbial project racecar in a box is always a tricky proposition. But is it easier or harder if the car was originally built from fiberglass bits without a conventional metal chassis?

The Lotus Elite Type 14 made its world debut at the London Motor Car Show in 1957. Production of this feather-light two-seat coupe commenced in 1958 and it’s estimated that fewer than 1,050 examples were built up through 1963. Construction of the Type 14 was unique for its time, built around a fiberglass monocoque with no true metal frame whatsoever. Weight conservation and aerodynamics were an integral part of the design of the Type 14 Elite. According to Mike Ostrov, Secretary of the Club Elite World Registry, the finished car had a wet weight ranging between 1,505 and 1,525 pounds. According to period reports, it also had an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.29.

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