The Elite prototype wasn’t so much missing, as slightly misplaced. For many years it was a regular as Lotus events and classic car shows and then around 2002 it dropped off the radar. This a dangerous time for a special classic car as they can fall into the hands of someone who doesn’t recognise its uniqueness. What appears to be a low value Lotus could end up as a parts car.
The importance of this particular Lotus is that it was the prototype of the car that lifted Lotus from kit car manufacturer to prestige car maker. We told the Elite story last week and it’s a faltering step towards a new future for Lotus.
It was the original prototype of five (chassis number 001A) and the only one that survives, possibly because Colin and Hazel Chapman used it as personal transport after testing was complete. During testing it did about 30 000 miles and traveled across the UK and Europe. There is an excellent period video of the car during testing and we have put the link at the bottom of the article.
Once testing was completed it was used by Hazel and Colin Chapman and then passed to the Lotus F1 team where it was used by team members and drivers (most likely Ronnie Peterson who was later gifted an elite by Chapman). At this time the car was painted in JPS black and gold.
When they finished with it, it was offered to Lotus staff in a bidding process. It was acquired by a Lotus worker who later sold it to another member of staff who owned it until the early 1980’s.
It was then offered for sale through a local newspaper and purchased by a classic car enthusiasts who also owned a Jenson Interceptor. They kept the car for over 30 years and it was a regular at classic car shows and events until 2002. Unfortunately, ill health meant that the car then spent some time in storage before going back on the open market.
Next week we will take a tour of the car and try to identify the unique features of the prototype.
With thanks to Andy Harrison for his help in preparing this article.
Further information:
The Lotus M50 prototype on the road: Lotus Elite & Eclat (Project M50)
Story of the Lotus Elite: Lotus Elite & Eclat (Project M50)
Andy Harrison: https://acespeed.co.uk