Lotus Elite (Type 14) Review

What is the Lotus Elite?

The Lotus Elite Type 14 is the original Elite: a small, elegant, two-seat British coupé built around Colin Chapman’s obsession with light weight design. Its most important feature is its stressed fibreglass monocoque, which combined body and chassis at a time when most sports cars still used separate steel frames.

The Elite is powered by a 1,216cc Coventry Climax FWE engine, with independent suspension, disc brakes and superb aerodynamics, which all combine to deliver performance which feels out of proportion to its modest power. It is a beautiful, historically significant, and genuinely rewarding vehicle to own and to drive, but also is also very delicate and specialist.

When was the Lotus Elite (Type 14) produced?

The Elite Type 14 was produced from 1957 to 1963, after being unveiled at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1957.

Lotus lists the first production phase from 1957 to 1960, and the Series 2 from 1960 to 1963, with the higher-output SE arriving for 1961 to 1963. They were developed close to Lotus’s Hornsey workshop, with the bodies for early models made by Maximar Mouldings, before production moved to the Bristol Aeroplane Company from 1960.

What changes were made to the Lotus Elite over the years?

Early Series 1 models of the Elite launched in 1967 established the formula: fibreglass monocoque, Coventry Climax FWE engine, four-speed transmission and lightweight independent suspension.

From 1960, Bristol-built Series 2 cars brought better body construction and an improved rear suspension layout. The SE specification added a ZF all-synchromesh close-ratio gearbox, twin SU carburettors and a modified exhaust manifold, taking output to around 85bhp.

In 1962, Lotus announced the Super 95, with a hotter Climax engine, higher compression, more aggressive cam timing and servo-assisted brakes. Very small numbers of Super 100 and Super 105 cars were also made, with no clear answer as to exact figure for each.

How does the Lotus Elite drive?

Like a ‘60s racing car with a body and two seats, basically. Like the best of Lotus road cars the Elite brims with uncompromising innovation, and a dedication to weight saving unmatched by its contemporaries. Which is how even with a 1.2-litre engine the Elite still feels quick, given a kerb weight less than half that of an Aston Martin DB5 and significantly less than most direct rivals.

Rack and pinion steering, all-independent suspension and disc brakes all round make sense of this performance as well, the Elite absolutely pin-sharp to drive and fantastically responsive to every input. The delicacy of the driving experience is an expression of the minimalism of the build, and it’s true you need to keep that in mind at all times.

Later S2 and SE models get more power for even feistier performance but in any trim the Elite perfectly expresses the famous Chapman mantra that less weight makes you faster everywhere.

What’s good about the Lotus Elite?

The Elite is obviously fantastic to drive. But for students of ‘60s motorsport and sportscars the Elite is much more than that, and a physical representation of everything that Lotus under Colin Chapman stood for.

That fibreglass monocoque is key to the driving experience but for the mechanically curious is also a fascinating example of Chapman’s relentless approach seeking out innovative engineering solutions, surrounding himself with the people able to make them a reality and the willingness to take big risks to see it through.

True, it wasn’t without its weaknesses, and the Elan that followed has much of the same appeal in a more resolved package. But the purity of the thinking that created the Elite is what makes it so special, and a fascinating ownership proposition to this day. Truly ground breaking cars are few and far between. But the Elite is one of them.

What’s bad about the Lotus Elite?

It’s fair to say Lotus was pushing the boundaries of material science when it built the Elite and, however admirable the intentions, the application was sometimes found wanting. Just like the firm’s racing cars the dedication to weight saving didn’t leave much margin for error either. On S1 cars in particular this led to significant failures and the steel mountings for suspension, differential and other components parting company with the fibreglass structure they were supposedly bonded into.

The later S2s built by Bristol Aeroplane Company were better, but the Elite was always a fragile little thing, and somewhat temperamental. While the structure has many benefits – weight saving, stiffness and the fact it doesn’t rust among them – it brings with it challenges of its own, meaning specialist care is required by people who really know what they’re doing. That can make sorting a bad one difficult and expensive, and if you want an easy life there are plenty of less stressful ways to get your ’60s sportscar hit.

How easy is it to get hold of parts for the Lotus Elite?

It’s easier to get spares and parts for the Lotus Elite than you might expect, but not effortless. Specialist suppliers such as MK14 Components, Kelvedon Lotus, Tony Thompson Racing and other Lotus specialists support the model, but rare trim, body and period-correct mechanical parts can still be expensive or require restoration.

Is the Lotus Elite classed as a classic car for vehicle insurance?

Yes, Type 14 is comfortably a classic car: it is more than 60 years old, rare, historically important and usually used sparingly rather than as daily transport. Its value depends heavily on originality, condition, provenance and restoration quality, which makes agreed-value classic cover more appropriate than a standard market-value policy.

How much does it cost to insure a Lotus Elite?

There is no reliable flat price for insuring a Type 14, as there are so many factors which will influence the premium. You can get classic car insurance for a vintage Lotus here at Goodwood Classic Solutions from just £115 per year, and you can call our expert team on  to discuss your options, or get a quote online now. 

How do the condition, modifications and use affect Lotus Elite insurance premiums?

Firstly, the condition of your Lotus Elite will influence the vehicle’s value, which directly impacts how much you’ll pay to insure it. A fully restored, structurally sound Elite with documented history and specialist maintenance is likely to be worth considerably more than a project or partially restored example. While a higher value may increase the premium, specialits insurers like Goodwood Classic Solutions will recognise that well-maintained classics are often driven carefully and stored securely.

Modifications should always be declared when taking out your policy, to ensure that you don’t have any issues further down the line if you ever find you need to make a claim. Sympathetic upgrades that improve reliability or safety – such as electronic ignition, improved cooling, discreet brake upgrades or modern radial tyres – may raise eyebrows with other insurers, but here at Goodwood Classic Solutions we offer modification cover which encapsulates all of these upgrades and more.

Similarly, how the Elite is used will also factored in when calculating your insurance premium. A Lotus Elite driven occasionally for club events, weekend trips and classic car shows, with a limited mileage discount and secure garaging, will often qualify for lower premiums than one used regularly or for commuting. Track days, historic competition, overseas touring or business use may require additional cover and may increase the cost of insurance.

Because the Elite is rare, valuable and built around an advanced fibreglass monocoque, specialist classic car insurance with an agreed value is often the best way to ensure the car is insured for its true worth and repaired by people familiar with its unique construction.

Who is the Lotus Elite recommended for?

The Elite is perfect for an informed enthusiast who values engineering purity, originality and driving delicacy over convenience. It suits someone prepared to use specialists, maintain it properly and buy the best car they can afford. It is not ideal for a first classic, a low-budget project or anyone expecting modern durability.

Which model of Elite to choose?

With little over 1,000 examples built and only two main variants in the S1 and S2 to consider your choices are pretty straightforward. Thanks to their sturdier construction most survivors will be S2s anyway, the more powerful SE a desirable option if you can find one while those with the more exotic ZF gearbox will command a healthy premium.

Many original owners took up the implicit invitation to race their Elites as well, and a documented history of competition success may add value assuming it doesn’t also bring with it evidence of crash damage. With any Elite by this stage you’d hope any lingering after effects will have been dealt with in the restoration process, but make sure any work has been performed by people who know what they’re doing and there’s documented evidence of what’s been done.

Given the relatively small number of cars out there the specialists will know the good ones, so lean on that expertise, do your due diligence and – as ever – buy the best one you can afford.

Specifications – Lotus Elite S2

1.2-litre four-cylinder, petrol

84PS (62kW) @ 6,250rpm

102Nm (75lb ft) @ 3,750rpm

Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

c. 660kg

c. 11 seconds

c. 118mph

1957-1963