This 1961 Lotus Elite Type 14 was the first road car produced by Lotus and the racing Type 14 won its class at LeMans 5 times in the 1960’s. This Elite has a Fiberglass Monocoque Body/chassis and won the 1961 Monte Carlo Rally and finished second in class. It was imported into the US in 1963 by the second owner who left it to the current owner, his daughter.
Design and Styling:
- The Lotus Elite featured a sleek, aerodynamic body with a distinctive coupe design.
- It had a smooth, curvaceous form, which was both aesthetically pleasing and functionally aerodynamic.
- The design was credited to Peter Kirwan-Taylor, with aerodynamic input from Frank Costin, a specialist in aircraft design.
Fiberglass Monocoque Chassis:
- One of the most innovative aspects of the Elite was its fiberglass monocoque chassis. Unlike traditional cars that used a separate body and frame, the Elite's body and chassis were a single, integrated unit.
- This construction method resulted in a very lightweight car, enhancing its performance and handling.
Engine and Performance:
- The Elite Type 14 was powered by a 1.2-liter Coventry Climax FWE inline-4 engine, producing around 75-105 horsepower, depending on the specification.
- Its lightweight construction, combined with the efficient engine, allowed for impressive performance, including a top speed of approximately 112-122 mph (180-196 km/h) and 0-60 mph acceleration in around 11 seconds.
Handling and Driving Dynamics:
- The Elite was renowned for its superb handling, a result of its lightweight construction, low center of gravity, and advanced suspension design.
- It featured independent suspension with coil springs and wishbones at the front and rear, providing excellent road-holding capabilities and a smooth ride.
Racing Heritage:
- The Lotus Elite enjoyed success in motorsport, particularly in endurance racing. It achieved class wins at prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Its racing pedigree contributed to the car's reputation for performance and reliability.
Interior and Comfort:
- The interior of the Elite was relatively Spartan compared to luxury cars of the time, focusing more on driving experience and weight savings.
- However, it still offered a comfortable and stylish cabin with seating for two, and the design was often praised for its simplicity and driver-focused layout.
Legacy and Influence:
- The Lotus Elite Type 14 is considered a groundbreaking car in automotive history, influencing the design and construction of future sports cars.
- Its innovative use of a fiberglass monocoque chassis set a precedent for lightweight construction techniques in the automotive industry.
Taken at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival.
You may purchase a print of the 1961 Lotus Elite Type 14 in our dElegance 2016 online gallery.
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