
Lotus Elite Racecar
Price: 119,990€
Year of construction: 1961
Operating hours: approx. 30 racing hours
Performance: not specified




European Champion FIA CUP Historic Grand Touring Cars, well maintained, ready for immediate use
Vehicle Details:
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Exclusive Car Family is proud to offer for sale a very special and historic vehicle – a 1961 Lotus Elite racing car, a fascinating piece of motorsport history.
This exceptional vehicle is not only a sought-after collector's item but also boasts an impressive racing pedigree.
Equipped with a full DMSB vehicle pass, this Elite has been meticulously maintained and is in outstanding technical and visual condition. It is powered by the legendary Coventry Climax engine with a 1.2-liter displacement. This renowned engine was used in various Formula series and highlights the race-readiness and technical sophistication of this car.
The owner achieved the 2004 FIA CUP Historic Grand Touring Cars European Championship in Period E with this Elite.
What makes the Lotus Elite such a special race car?
The Lotus Elite, also known as Type 14, revolutionized race car design in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its innovative design, under the leadership of Colin Chapman, was groundbreaking for its time. Key features of the Lotus Elite include:
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Fiberglass Monocoque Construction: The Elite was one of the first race cars with an entirely fiberglass body that also served as the load-bearing structure. This design made the car extremely light and aerodynamic, giving it exceptional handling.
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Lightweight Design: Weighing just around 600 kg, it was one of the lightest cars in its class. This made the Elite not only agile on the track but also highly efficient in terms of performance and handling.
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Excellent Aerodynamics: Known for its sleek, streamlined shape, the Lotus Elite offered outstanding aerodynamics. The low, elegant profile helped minimize drag and maximize top speed.
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Successful Racing Career: The Elite quickly gained fame on the racetrack, particularly in the GT class. With numerous victories, including at Le Mans, the Elite established itself as a formidable contender against more powerful rivals, earning a reputation as one of the best small racing cars of its time.
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Perfect Balance of Power and Handling: With its Coventry Climax 1.2-liter engine, which was used in various racing series, the Elite was capable of delivering impressive performance despite its small size. The combination of lightweight construction, superb suspension, and aerodynamic design made it one of the most agile and precise cars of its era.
The Coventry Climax Engine – The Heart of Success
The Coventry Climax FWE engine was the beating heart of the Lotus Elite and a milestone in motorsport engineering. Originally developed as a lightweight, compact engine for fire pumps, its potential for motorsport was quickly recognized. Through targeted development, it became one of the most powerful engines in its class.
Its 1.2-liter displacement and lightweight design made it ideal for use in race cars, where power and weight were critical. With its high-revving nature and reliability, the Coventry Climax engine helped the Lotus Elite achieve numerous successes.
The engine's greatest achievement was its victory in the GT 1.3 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the Lotus Elite won twice in a row (1959 and 1960) thanks to its balance and efficiency. This win cemented the Lotus Elite’s reputation as a superior race car and established the Coventry Climax engine as an essential power unit of the era.
Ready to Race
This 1961 Lotus Elite is not just a fascinating race car but also an important piece of motorsport history. The vehicle is in race-ready condition and can be immediately used on the track or at historic racing events. Thanks to its well-maintained technical condition and rich history, it offers the perfect balance between performance and originality.
YouTube Video and Interview
For a more in-depth look at the history and condition of this unique vehicle, you can watch an extensive video on our YouTube channel "Exclusive Car Family." In this video, you'll see the car in action and an exclusive interview with the owner, who shares his experiences and many successes with this Elite.
For more information and to arrange a viewing, feel free to contact us.
Your dream car is waiting for you – We look forward to your inquiry – Your Exclusive Car Family!
Note: Please contact us exclusively by phone. Due to time constraints, we may only be able to answer emails with a delay.
We do not have regular opening hours, and the vehicle location may vary, so we kindly ask for an appointment.
Internal Offer Number: 0924-006
Changes, prior sale, and errors reserved. The vehicle description is for general identification purposes only and does not constitute a warranty in the legal sense. You will receive the exact list of features from the owner of the vehicle. This vehicle is offered on consignment. We act solely as brokers/intermediaries. The purchase contract is concluded between the buyer and the seller. The vehicle is sold without warranty or guarantee from private ownership (excluding any warranties still provided by the manufacturer or dealer). We look forward to hearing from you to discuss further details and questions.