Another lot from the Online RM Sotheby's Arizona Sale, maybe the last one before the January 22nd (it depends on my time management 😀) with a more affordable car than the lots I presented on my last posts (Ferrari 375 America by Vignale, Shelby GT 350, RUF Turbo R...)...

This beautiful 1959 Lotus Elite S1 Competition Coupe will be auctionned for about $US 60,000. Gorgeous design with a more reasonable price than the cars presented before, but it's still out of my reach.

History of Lotus Elite S1

The Lotus Elite 14 is an two seater coupe sports car produced by the British manufacturer Lotus between 1958 and 1963. The Type 14 Elite was introduced in 1957 during the Earls Court Motor Show. It was one the first road car because before Lotus focused on car racing.

The car was based on the race experiences with a lightweight fiberglass monocoque in order to have the best performances with great drivability. It was an immediate success on tracks with the English racing driver Jim Clark behind the wheel and a great performance during the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1959 1st in its class (GT 1.5) and 8th overall (wiki).

This example (chassis 1159) was sold in 1960 and participate to different races in UK. In 1962, it was sold in Germany where it continued its career on the racetracks. Then the car was stored for many years and only restored in the 90's.

Specification

The Lotus Elite S1 Competition Coupe is equipped with a 1,216-cc Coventry Climax (English engine manufacturer) FWE engine fueled by two Weber carburetors producing between 75 and 105 hp. The Lotus Elite has a top speed of 185 kmh and can reach 100 kmh in 11.5 seconds.

This model is finished in Silver over a beautiful interior with bucket seats trimmed in black leather and a wood wheel with Lotus center cap. Perfect...

Very cool steering wheel

I love this wooden knob with burgundy shift boot 👍

Beautiful little beast in perfect condition with a nice history on racetracks... It must be a thrill to be behind this wheel (even just for one day !).

Do you see it in your driveway ?

Sale


Model :	1959 Lotus Elite S1 Competition Coupe
Where :	Online RM Sotheby's Arizona
When :	22 January 2021
Estimated Price :	$US 60,000