Lots of trouble usually serious - Lotus Elite Project

Andyk

Andyk

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61,131
Love it Andy. All the Lotus I have owned have been very reliable and the big difference against my Maserati was that if you wanted parts they were half the price or less than what you would pay for an Italian exotic. Probably as most were off the shelf from other manufacturers. That looks a great project and would be very satisfying to see it come together.
 
philw696

philw696

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25,383
Second what Andy K has said what a nice project and love the 70's styling.
What's the motor like ?
All relatively simple stuff against other exotica.
Go for it mate :)
 
midlifecrisis

midlifecrisis

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16,197
It looks OK as a project, loooks clean enough. But please excuse my ignorance and I'm sure others with thank me for asking this...but

What the Fk is it? :)
 
philw696

philw696

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25,383
midlifecrisis said:
It looks OK as a project, loooks clean enough. But please excuse my ignorance and I'm sure others with thank me for asking this...but

What the Fk is it? :)
Click to expand...
That's youngsters for you :)
That Lotus parked next to the family R12 estate would have just been so exotic when you were playing with your marbles mate.
 
drellis

drellis

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807
My old one, went when first kid came. Engine parts pricey , frequent cam belt as its not much thicker than your pinkie. Best part of rhe car was the steering
 

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zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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20,912
Thanks all, it's a 1978 Lotus Elite 503 - so manual with aircon and power steering.

Currently owned by an Italian friend, who needs the space for his Ape business. The car is complete but in bits, engine was stripped and rebuilt some time ago but it needs both water and fuel pump, interior was stripped and sent to the trimmers so comes with new leather seats, door cards and new carpet. Carbs have just been serviced and rebuilt and it comes with lots of new parts like seals for lights and doors etc. Most importantly chassis and body look to be in good condition, yes it needs a repaint but no major cracks or damage in the fibreglass.

Just need to agree the price but its not silly money and its Irish registered so no duty, VRT to contend with, a rare thing over here.
 
Ewan

Ewan

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6,803
Super stylish. I’d love a fully restored one (or Eclat) and can’t be alone in that.
Please go for it, and do it properly.
And then if you get bored of it, give me a call.
 
Oneball

Oneball

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11,111
Bodywork/trim/glass/interior is pretty hard to get so make sure it’s there. The rest is either normal Lotus/Lucas/Ford etc.
 
Andy4200

Andy4200

Member
Messages
143
Looks like a great project. Lotusbits and SJ Sportscars have most parts you would ever need.
I had its younger cousin, the Excel, for 10 years, gradually performing a rolling restoration. Here it is last year, on the day I sold it. 2 weeks later the 4200 arrived.
 

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