Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Lotus Elite Series II
s/n 1503 engine no. FWE9295
White with Blue Stripes and Grey 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 is a superbly restored race-prepared example. The restoration was done in 1993-1994 and was extremely comprehensive. The engine, driveline, chassis, body, interior, and electrical system were restored in a no-expense spared fashion, and the car has had four race weekends and 2000 miles since the restoration. The specifications are as follows:

Engine:
Completely rebuilt by Bill Hutton
Twin Webber 40DCOE-2�s with K&N filters
Stage 3 camshaft with .360-inch lift
Flow work to cylinder head to improve breathing
Cosworth forged high compression pistons
Thick head gasket for 9.5:1 compression
High strength rod bolts
Crank nitrided and polished
Tubular headers

Driveline:
8.5-inch diaphragm clutch and pressure plate
Rebuilt ZF close ratio transmission
New U-joints
Rebuilt 4.55:1 differential
New output bearings for differential

Front Suspension:
Series I springs
New Spax adjustable shocks
New steering rack
Transverse brace between front mounts for lower wishbones
All new bushings and wheel bearings
Adjustable anti-sway bar
Metal universal join in front steering shaft
Rear Suspension:
Series I springs
New Koni adjustable shocks
New wheel bearings and bushings
Differential moun reinforced with steel straps at upper and lower mounting points to distribute loads to thickened fiberglass. Reinforced roll bar mount also tied to straps to distribute loads to chassis.

Brakes:
Stainless braided lines
New master cylinder
Rebuilt calipers
DS11 pads

Safety Equipment:
Roll bar foot plates mount to strengthened fiberglass at rear suspension rubber ball mounting points, hoop braced to metacone towers and structure behind doors. Removed diagonal braces from upper corners of roll bar to aluminum plate bolted to quarter in ch steel differential straps, welded to steel upper differential mounting points. Spare tire location remains usable per original Lotus configuration. Roll bar meets or exceeds SCCA, CSRG, and HMSA specifications. Custom Fuel Safe fuel cell to exact size of factory long rage tank (10 gallons), solid state fuel level sender. Fire extinguisher and five-point harness.

Electrical:
Fully functioning street equipment including headlamps, tail lamps, turn signals, wipers, horn, starter, generator, and electric fuel pump.

Cosmetically, this car is very nice, above and below. The paint shows some chipping from use but is on the whole presentable and attractive. The blue stripes are painted on and the chrome trim and wheels are excellent. The side screens are in good shape, as is the glass, though the bottom right corner of the windscreen is starting to delaminate.

The interior is fully trimmed to high standards and remains in excellent condition. The carpets were well done, as was the seat upholstery. The dashboard and instruments are sparkling, and there is a VDO auxiliary fuel level gauge installed to supplement the Smiths item.

The engine compartment is extremely clean as well, having seen little use since the comprehensive restoration. The proper overflow catching equipment is place for competition use. The underside is very tidy as well, with all major components having been replaced or refinished and little mileage covered since.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire an excellent example of this sophisticated and charming car. The ZF transmission and Weber carburetors are desirable features that enhance the car`s performance, while the specification is such that the car could be enjoyed in street events or on track by its new owner.

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