1958 Lotus Elite Specs

Price (when new): 2244

Production Total: 988

Build Start: 1958

Last on sale: 1963

Drive System:

The undoubted star of the 1957 Earl’s Court Motor Show, but Lotus kept buyers waiting until the summer of 1959 to enjoy this technical marvel of great beauty. Use of a chassis-less glassfibre monocoque and aluminium Coventry-Climax 1200cc 75bhp engine resulted in the incredibly light weight that made this car perform and handle so well; 1960 brought a Series II model with improved rear suspension and trim, plus the SE with its close-ratio ZF gearbox and optional breathing package for an extra 10bhp. Be aware, they are noisy inside, and quite a squeeze for six-footers.

Information from Octane Magazine.