Description
Lotus Elite | 1973
Highlights
– 2.2-litre naturally aspirated inline-four engine, petrol, 5-speed manual transmission
– Offered as a restoration project, requiring comprehensive recommissioning
– Blue exterior with cream velour interior
– Fitted with MSD 6A multi-spark ignition system
– Dutch registration, offered from Gelderland province, Netherlands
The seller offers for sale this 1973 Lotus Elite, powered by a 2.2-litre naturally aspirated inline-four engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
This Elite is presented as a restoration project and is offered in the condition in which it is found. The bodywork retains its original blue finish and shows surface marks, minor dents and areas in need of attention consistent with a car requiring full restoration. The rear bumper area is incomplete and will need work. The interior is trimmed in cream velour with dark accents and wood detailing; the upholstery shows significant wear, staining and tears throughout. The car is located in Gelderland province, Netherlands, and carries a Dutch registration.
The Lotus Elite was introduced in 1974 as the 500 series and was one of the most ambitious road cars Lotus had produced to that point. Designed by Oliver Winterbottom, it featured a wedge-shaped fibreglass body, a four-seat 2+2 cabin with a large panoramic rear hatch, and a front mid-mounted engine for balanced weight distribution. Power came from the Lotus-developed 907 twin-cam inline-four, initially offered in 2.0-litre form and later expanded to 2.2 litres. The Elite was positioned as a refined grand tourer and introduced a level of interior comfort uncommon in Lotus products of the period, with features such as electric windows, a wood-trimmed console and climate control. Production continued until 1982.
This example is equipped with an MSD 6A multi-spark ignition unit, a popular performance upgrade for the 907-series engine. The engine bay also shows a Mopar electronic voltage regulator and a pair of twin-choke carburettors. The odometer reads 49,843 miles, though this figure is not guaranteed by the seller.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
1 — Poor. Severe damage or mechanical issues; may not be drivable.
Condition of the interior
1 — Poor. Severe damage or mechanical issues; may not be drivable.
Technical condition
1 — Poor. Severe damage or mechanical issues; may not be drivable.
Overall condition
1 — Poor. Severe damage or mechanical issues; may not be drivable.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in: Gelderland province, Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Netherlands registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.