One to Buy: 1 Owner 29,500 mile unrestored 1963 Lotus Type 14 Elite
Having set the world of motor racing alight with a line of immensely successful sports cars, Lotus introduced the state-of-art Type 14 Elite at the London Motor Show in October 1957.
Based around a light, stiff and incredibly advanced fibreglass monocoque bodyshell, the Coventry Climax-engined Elite quickly came to be regarded as one of the finest GT road and racing cars of its day.
By the time production was discontinued in 1963, a little over 1000 Elites had been produced and the model had established an enviable competition record that included no less than six class wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Currently on offer at the Grand Prix Classics showroom in La Jolla, California is arguably one of the finest Elites extant: chassis US63EB1968.
Completed during the final year of production together with the extremely desirable Stage 2 engine and four-speed ZF gearbox, this incredible machine has remained in the possession of just one keeper since having been delivered by Bob Chalman Motors in Manhattan Beach, California during July 1963.
Totally unrestored and still showing under 30,000 miles from new, this exceptional Green and Silver over Black matching numbers machine is presented with a fully documented history back to day one and represents a surely unrepeatable opportunity to acquire such an exceptional one owner example of arguably Lotus’s best GT.
Reprinted below is Grand Prix Classics’ description:
Year: 1963
Miles: 29,483
Chassis: US63EB1968
Engine: Coventry Climax 1220 FEW #10810
Gearbox: ZF 4-Speed
Price: Inquire
History: Only 1037 Elites were built. The best are the Elites with Stage 2 engine tune and the ZF 4 speed gearbox like this one. From the last year of production. Selling new at Bob Chalman Motors (Ecurie Shirlee) in Manhattan Beach, California in July 1963 to a local California Lotus enthusiast who enjoyed his Elite so much he still owns it to this day. A one-owner beautifully original car, old black plate, Southern California car with only 29,483 miles.
Condition: One of the finest survivors in the country. Beautiful old paint from the 1960’s that still sparkles and an original interior. This car has been cared for, serviced, garage kept, detailed and loved by an enthusiast for its entire life. Recent service work consisted of new suspension bushing, differential bearings, brakes. Still with its original engine #10810.
Documents: On the front cover of the Denis Ortenburger book on the Lotus Elite. Also featured in the book with photos many other times. Known by Mike Ostroff, who does the Club Elite Newsletter. Featured in Autoweek & Competition Press in July 1974 with photos and a nice write up. Also featured in Road and Track and Sports Car Graphic. Has old registration slips going back 60 years.
Of Note: A one owner, old black license plate extremely original survivor, always well maintained and meticulously cared for. One of the most original Elites one could hope to find. Featured in numerous publications. Original sales invoice, old registration slips, always in Southern California. Ready to drive and enjoy or win a Concours award in the preservation class.
