Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Lotus Elite Series II Stage III Spec.
s/n EB1491378, Engine no. E10184
Silver with Red Interior

Like all Lotus cars from the Chapman era, the Elite is a technological marvel. Employing an almost entirely fiberglass monocoque chassis body unit, rack and pinion steering, and Lotus` usually sophisticated suspension design, the car was and remains a highly capable driver`s car. Its fiberglass construction and diminutive dimensions made for a light weight of about 1,300 pounds, yet the torsional rigidity of the platform is remarkable. The aerodynamic bodywork and mostly covered underside contributed to a coefficient of drag of just .29, a remarkable figure, even 50 years later. The car proved to be highly successful in competition, including six class wins in six years at Le Mans (where the car was reported to make 20mpg!).

This particular example has been a dedicated racecar for most of its life. It was first campaigned in England in the early 1980. In the 1982 the car received a restoration by Bill Friend who then drove it to the 1983 AMOC Championship, setting records at Brands Hatch (57.9 seconds) and Thruxton (1:40 seconds). In 1986 the car was sold to Gerge Nuse of Atlanta George who managed six wins and six poles in as many attempts, proving that this Elite could win on both sides of the Atlantic. After Mr. Nuse’s highly successful opening season, the car was placed in careful storage, not to emerge until 1999, when purchased by west coast collector, Pat Smiekel.

During Bill Friend’s tenure the car had been comprehensively rebuilt from the lightened Bristol body up. It was stripped to gel-coat, at which time no damage repairs were required, and then refinished in the current silver color scheme. The car was fitted with a limited slip differential by Jack Knight with new bearings and bushes. A duel circuit brake system was added, with copper lines. The body panels were lightened and Perspex windows installed all around. A fuel cell was added, as were Aeroquipp oil, fuel, and brake lines. In addition to trailing arm and sway bar improvements, adjustable Spax shocks were fitted in the front with modified Konis in the rear. The engine mounts were stiffened, and a set of lightweight Borrani 72 spoke wheels were sourced, which the car sits on today.

Fantasy Junction sold this Elite to the current owner in 2002. During his ownership, the car has successfully competed in approximately 25 historic race meetings with CSRG, HMSA, and SOVREN. The car regularly placed in the top 5 in its category, proving that it remains competitive. Very recently Bob Yarwood rebuilt the FWE Climax engine, and currently it has dyno time plus 2 hours of track time. It is fitted with a 5 bearing cam, and 4 branch exhaust manifold, as run in England in the early 1980s.

Today the car displays very good race car cosmetics. The paint has been recently refreshed and appears excellent. The Spartan interior- lightened in every way possible- has a functional competition appearance. The lenses and windows are in good order, same for one split on the driver’s side window.

Mechanically the car is in very good order. The current owner reports that this Elite needs nothing beyond a new set of tires and a cursory pre-event preparation. The car starts easily and revs freely. The transmission, clutch, and driveline, all operation properly. The suspension, while stiff for daily road use, is responsive. With its twin Weber carburetors, and ZF transmission, this Elite represents the most desirable specification available for both collectability and performance.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire an excellent example of this sophisticated and charming car. Included with the sale are select records going back to the early 1980s including newspaper clippings of its AMOC Championship success, vintage logbooks, restoration notes from Bill Friend, and other detailed information. Sold on a bill of sale only.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608