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The Lotus Elite was introduced in 1957, Colin Chapman's design criteria was that the Elite be a road car capable of a class win at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hour race. With four-wheel disc brakes, all independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, over head cam, lightweight alloy engine and superb aerodynamics, the Elite posted six consecutive Le Mans class wins from 1957 to 1962. Top speed for a stock Elite, owing greatly to its extraordinary aerodynamics and low drag coefficient of .29 was 118 mph.
Construction utilizes a fiberglass monocoque design, whereby the body acts as an integral part of the frame of the car. Elites are powered by a four-cylinder Coventry Climax 1216cc engine. The engine was increased to 1460cc during restoration. Coupled with dual side draft Weber carburetors, it produces in excess of 90 horsepower and a very spirited drive for a car weighing only 1300 pounds.
A multi-year restoration was completed in 1993. Documentation of that process produced the first definitive book on the Elite, Denis Ortenburger's Original Lotus Elite.
Construction utilizes a fiberglass monocoque design, whereby the body acts as an integral part of the frame of the car. Elites are powered by a four-cylinder Coventry Climax 1216cc engine. The engine was increased to 1460cc during restoration. Coupled with dual side draft Weber carburetors, it produces in excess of 90 horsepower and a very spirited drive for a car weighing only 1300 pounds.
A multi-year restoration was completed in 1993. Documentation of that process produced the first definitive book on the Elite, Denis Ortenburger's Original Lotus Elite.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1961 Lotus Elite S1 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Lotus Elite S1
(Data based on Model Year 1961 sales)
| 1961 Lotus Elite Sold for USD$71,331 2019 Silverstone - Classic Cars & Competition Cars | |
| 1961 LOTUS ELITE SERIES II Chassis#: 1998 Sold for USD$78,472 2016 Coys - Thoroughbred & Vintage at Fontwell House | |
| 1961 Lotus MK14 Elite 'Super 95' Chassis#: 1947 Sold for USD$66,375 2015 Silverstone Auction - Competition Cars | |
| 1961 Lotus Elite Chassis#: 1336 Sold for USD$102,592 2015 RM Auctions - Paris | |
| 1961 Lotus Elite Series II Coupe Chassis#: 1205 Sold for USD$96,250 2012 RM Auctions - Monterey |   |
| 1961 Lotus Elite Series II Coupé Chassis#: 1628 Sold for USD$60,695 2011 Bonhams - Collectors' Motor Cars | |
| 1961 Lotus Elite Series II Coupé Chassis#: 1628 Sold for USD$69,061 2010 Bonhams - Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia |
Lotus Elite S1s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1961 Lotus Elite S1's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 Lotus Elite S2 Modifiée par Franck Costin | EB1448 | 2023 Artcurial : Le Mans Classic | $160,000 | $180,000 | |
| 1961 Lotus Elite Series 2 Coupé | 1336 | 2021 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris | $85,000 | $125,000 | |
| 1961 Lotus Elite | E112 1593 | 2019 Silverstone The Sale of British Marques | |||
| 1961 Lotus Elite Series 2 Super 95 Coupé | 1864 | 2015 Bonhams : Bond Street Motor Car Sale | $75,000 | $90,000 | |
| 1961 Lotus Elite Series II (Type 14) | EB1391785 | 2015 Historics at Brookland | $56,000 | $58,000 | |
| 1961 Lotus Elite Series II Coupé | 1628 | 2010 Bonhams Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia | $20,000 | $25,000 | |
| 1961 LOTUS ELITE | PXEA1193 | 2003 Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction November 2003 | $32,500 | ||
| 1961 Lotus Elite S2 Coachwork by Lotus | EB 1493 | 2003 Bonhams An auction of Collectors Motor Cars and Automobili | $30,000 | $35,000 |
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1961 Lotus Elite S1
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