Lotus Elite: A Timeless Legacy of Lightweight Elegance

The Legends - Lotus Cars, the renowned British automotive manufacturer established by Colin Chapman in 1948, has enjoyed enduring success, captivating automotive enthusiasts worldwide with a series of exceptional production models. Notably celebrated for crafting lightweight, highly maneuverable racing cars, Lotus has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. One of Lotus Cars' iconic creations, following the likes of the Lotus Esprit, is the Lotus Elite.

The distinguished nameplate of Lotus Elite has adorned two production models and a concept vehicle, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

This distinguished nameplate has adorned two production models and a concept vehicle, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation. The first iteration graced the automotive scene from 1957 to 1963, while its successor, the second-generation model, continued its legacy from 1974 to 1982, and the concept ones unveiled in 2010.

1. Lotus Elite Type 14

The Lotus Elite Type 14 designed by Peter Kirwan-Taylor with input from Frank Costin, the Chief Aerodynamic Engineer for the de Havilland Aircraft Company, and debuted at the Earls Court Motor Show in London in October 1957. 

The Lotus Elite Type 14 (in pictured 1958 model with chassis 008) designed by Peter Kirwan-Taylor with input from Frank Costin, and debuted at the Earls Court Motor Show in London in October 1957. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)

Its revolutionary fiberglass monocoque construction, a departure from the traditional separate chassis and body components, marked a significant leap in automotive engineering.

The Lotus Elite Type 14's cabin boasted two cozy bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and simple dashboard arrangement. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)

Weighing in at a mere 504 kg, the two-seater coupe boasted a 74 cubic inch S4 'Coventry Climax' engine, generating 75 hp (55 kW). Its rear-wheel-drive system, coupled with a 4-speed manual gearbox, contributed to the Elite Type 14's remarkable performance. 

The Lotus Elite Type 14 (in pictured 1958 model with chassis 008) boasted a 74 cubic inch S4 'Coventry Climax' engine, generating 75 hp (55 kW), and weighing of a mere 504 kg. (Picture from: IconicAuctioneers)

Notably, its aerodynamic prowess, with a drag coefficient of 0.29, facilitated an acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 116 mph (187 kph). Production commenced in December 1958, and over 1,000 units rolled off the assembly line during its production span until 1963.

 

2. Lotus Elite Type  75 & Type 83

A decade later, Lotus introduced the Elite S2 or Type 75 (later Elite S2.2 or Type 83), a four-passenger model designed by Oliver Winterbottom. 

The Lotus Elite S2 or Type 75 (in pictured 1974 model) first unveiled to public in January 1975, as a four-passenger sports car featuring a shooting brake body style and a fiberglass bodyshell mounted on a steel backbone chassis. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Unveiled in January 1975, this iteration replaced the Lotus Elan Plus 2, featuring a shooting brake body style and a fiberglass bodyshell mounted on a steel backbone chassis. 

The Lotus Elite S2 or Type 75 model's interior adorned with fancy suede, boasts a 1970s instrument cluster, evoking a nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic appliances. (Picture from: AROnline)

Powered by a 4-valve, DOHC, four-cylinder Type 907 engine, the Elite achieved a top speed of 125 mph and accelerated from 0–60 mph in 8.1 seconds. 

The Lotus Elite S2.2 or Type 83 (in pictured 1980 model) first unveiled to public in 1980, and powered by a larger 2,174 cc Lotus 912 engine and various enhancements. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The Type 75 transitioned to the Type 83 in 1980, incorporating a larger 2,174 cc Lotus 912 engine and various enhancements. Throughout its production from 1975 to 1982, Lotus crafted 2,535 units of these Elite models.

The Lotus Elite S2.2 or Type 83 (in pictured 1982 model) fwas produced as a four seater, and was considerably larger than previous models Type 75. (Picture from: FastestLaps)

 

3. Lotus Elite Concept

The pinnacle of this lineage was marked by the unveiling of the Lotus Elite Concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, promising a grand tourer experience. Unfortunately, the project faced cancellation in July 2012 due to a new cost-effective business plan initiated by the takeover of Lotus' parent company, Proton, by DRB-Hicom. 

The proposed 2014 Elite at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 engine sourced from Lexus, offering 592 hp (441 kW) and a 0–100 km/h time as low as 3.5 seconds, was regrettably left unrealized. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The envisioned grand tourer, equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 engine sourced from Lexus, offering 592 hp (441 kW) and a 0–100 km/h time as low as 3.5 seconds, was regrettably left unrealized.

In conclusion, Lotus Cars' enduring legacy is epitomized by the iconic Lotus Elite, a symbol of lightweight elegance and automotive innovation. From the groundbreaking Type 14 to the envisioned grand tourer concept, Lotus has left an indelible mark on the world of high-performance vehicles.

As we reflect on the journey through its rich history, the Lotus Elite stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of speed, design, and driving experience. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄ *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUSCARS | WIKIPEDIA | ICONICAUCTIONEERS | ARONLINE | FASTESTLAPS | CONCEPTCARZ ]

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