The 1961 Lotus MK14 Elite Series 2 SE was developed by Colin Chapman in 1957. Powered by the Coventry-Climax FWE 1216 cc SOHC engine and ridiculously lightweight at 1,110 lbs, the Elite was a very successful race car winning its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times.
The Elite's most distinctive feature was its highly innovative fiberglass monocoque construction, in which a stressed skin unibody replaced the previously separate chassis and body components. The Elite used glass-reinforced plastic material for the entire load-bearing structure of the car with only a steel sub-frame supporting the engine and front suspension. The first 250 body units were made by a boat builder and this construction was moved to an airplane manufacturer after major quality issues.
The SE was introduced in 1960 as a higher performance variant with 85 hp, ZF gearboxes and Lucas PL 700 headlamps. This car was built in 1961 and was rescued from a barn in 1996 and underwent a complete bare shell restoration by a specialist in England from 2008 to 2012.
A total of 1030 Lotus Elites were built between 1957 and 1963 and it has been claimed Lotus lost 100 GBP on every car.
Design and Features
- Designer: Peter Kirwan-Taylor, with aerodynamic refinements by Frank Costin.
- Body Style: 2-door coupe
- Construction: The Elite features a fiberglass monocoque chassis, a pioneering design that significantly reduced weight and improved performance.
- Interior: The interior is relatively spartan but includes necessary instrumentation and high-quality materials, emphasizing function over luxury.
Performance
- Engine: 1.2-liter (1216 cc) Coventry Climax FWE inline-4 engine
- Power Output: Approximately 105 horsepower in the SE version
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox, often with close-ratio options in the SE version
- Top Speed: Around 112 mph (180 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in about 11.4 seconds
- Suspension: Independent suspension all around, with coil springs and wishbones at the front, and Chapman struts at the rear
- Brakes: Disc brakes all around, an advanced feature for the era
Production and Legacy
- Production Years: 1957-1963, with the Series 2 introduced in 1960
- Total Units Produced: Approximately 1,030 units across all versions
- Price: The Elite was a high-end sports car, reflecting its advanced technology and performance capabilities
Significance
- Innovative Engineering: The fiberglass monocoque chassis was revolutionary and set new standards in lightweight construction.
- Racing Success: The Elite was successful in motorsport, particularly in endurance racing, including class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Aerodynamic Design: The aerodynamic bodywork contributed to its impressive performance and handling characteristics.
You may purchase a print of the 1961 Lotus MK14 Elite Series 2 SE in our dElegance 2018 online gallery.
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