Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Lotus Elite Series II Super 95
s/n 1251695 Engine no. 9374
Blue with Silver Roof and Black 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, disc brakes all round, 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!).

Introduced in 1960, the Series II Elite featured revised rear suspension, upgraded brakes, twin carburetors, auxiliary oil cooler, a close-ratio ZF gearbox, a long-range fuel tank, and a more rugged five main-bearing crankshaft. In addition to its driveline and suspension improvements, these late-production Elites benefit from higher-quality coachwork constructed by Bristol Aircraft featuring an NACA duct on the bonnet and a distinctive silver-colored roof. The Super 95 spec car had more power from a higher-tuned engine with raised compression and a fiercer camshaft with 5 bearings. This car’s 1216cc single overhead cam Coventry Climax four-cylinder engine is fitted with 2 Weber Twin-Choke carburetors and offers 96 horsepower. Quite a bit of power for a car that weighs just 1300 pounds!

Designed to compete against the highly successful Alfa Romeos, Abarths, and Simcas of the period, the Elite embodied the same innovative philosophy as the firm’s giant-killing sports racing and grand prix machines. In total, just 1,015 Elites were completed; today approximately 800 examples of all types are known to exist. The exceptional Elite presented here is a rare Series II Super 95 model built during the final year of production.

While the original owner is not known, the second owner acquired the Elite early in its life, and retained it until his passing in 2004. The next enthusiastic owner, who owned and raced Elites during the 1960s, recognizing the rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Super 95, purchased the car from the previous long-term owner’s estate. During the half a dozen years following his purchase, the car was given a ground-up mechanical and cosmetic restoration carried out by Essex Racing Services of Cumming, Georgia. The matching numbers Coventry Climax engine was exactingly rebuilt by Nelson Engine Services to ensure impressive performance. All records of the restoration come with the car.

After the restoration the Elite was offered for sale and purchased by its previous owner, who intended to use the car for exhilarating driving and not merely static display. He entrusted Canepa Designs with the sorting out of the car to make it as roadworthy as it was beautiful. Just over $56,000 was invested into the Elite with every system being meticulously analyzed and optimized. Over 300 hours of work were put into the final details and sorting to ensure this example would rate among the very best examples extent. Correct Avon tires were installed and the suspension corner weighted, lowered, and aligned; the engine was realigned in the chassis and the driveshaft was balanced; a new differential was installed with a taller ratio for highway driving; the carburetors were removed, inspected, and synchronized; all new fuel hoses were installed; the distributor was re-shafted to improve timing; all electrical was corrected and made operational; the rear bumper was restored, and new front bumperlettes were fabricated, among other works.

The current presentation of this example is beyond reproach. It is truly breathtaking to behold, and is surely one of the finest examples extent. Every aspect of the car is restored like jewelry- fit to eat off of above and below! The Elite’s period-correct appearance is enhanced by the presence of an external fuel-filler, painted wire wheels, and a Pirelli Cinturato tires. The interior is trimmed in black vinyl upholstery, highlighted by grey carpets and correct wood-rimmed steering wheel. The engine bay is also very correct in its details, and it would be difficult for even the most fastidious collector to improve upon. The underside is also as-new in condition, and the level of detail preparation is evident when considering the Mylar heat shielding carefully laid into the exhaust tunnel.

In addition to its design and cosmetic beauty evident even in a static position, this Elite Super 95 is a magical car to enjoy on the road. The transmission, clutch, brakes, steering and suspension systems are functioning without fault. The engine is well carbureted, starts easily, and develops excellent power. The pedals are ergonomically oriented, and it is no exaggeration to say that the car truly feel like an extension of the driver.

As one of the few Super 95s restored to its correct, matching number, original specification, this car is surely one of the finest Elites to come onto the market in recent memory. Super 95’s are quite rare and the factory inclusion of Weber carburetors even more so. The ZF transmission and Bristol body add further appeal and enjoyment potential to the car, while the impeccable restoration adds eye appeal as well. Further, this wonderful Lotus offers its new owner an exciting opportunity to participate in a remarkable variety of events with an ideally prepared example of Colin Chapman’s groundbreaking masterpiece. For the collector seeking the very best Elite in existence, this is a car worth reaching for.

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