1962 LOTUS ELITE SERIES II SE

KEY FACTS

• Stunning restored example of the high-performance Series II ‘SE’ model, with desirable engine upgrade by John Exley
• It is powered by a Coventry Climax inline-four, increased to 1.5-litre capacity, coupled to the sought-after ZF four-speed manual transmission
• Spent 20 years in the renowned collection of Malcolm Ricketts; more recently mechanically refurbished and treated to a bare-body respray
• Acquired by the vendor seven years ago, with only three previous keepers, and needs nothing to enjoy straight away

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

• The SE model came with twin SU carburettors and the desirable ZF manual gearbox, and this car retains both features
• Its Coventry Climax engine was upgraded and increased from 1.2-litre to 1.5-litre capacity by John Exley Developments in 2010
• Electric fuel pump and modern electric cooling fan in places of originals
• Suspension improved with adjustable shock absorbers, and driveshafts have been upgraded during a previous ownership
• The car comes with an extensive history file dating back to the 1960s and has comprehensive documentation on the most recent restoration
• Lotus workshop manual and jack included

CONDITION

• Believed to retain its original body, engine block and transmission
• No damage apparent on the body when the paint was stripped
• Blue and silver paintwork in excellent condition having been resprayed four years ago; and only a few hundred miles since then
• Interior in excellent condition; black leather seats have been re-connolised
• New light grey carpets and Hardura boot lining material sourced from Mk14 Components
• All electrics are fully functioning; new or refurbished, along with a new wiring loom
• No known mechanical faults
• The most recent MOT test was on 31 July 2016 at 69,336 miles (less than 200 miles ago), which was a first-time pass with no advisories. Car is exempt from mandatory MOT testing

SERVICE HISTORY

• Its last scheduled maintenance was in March 2020 at approximately 69,500 miles by the vendor’s in-house mechanic. This included fresh engine oil and coolant, brake fluid, and a refurbished water pump
• During vendor’s ownership, the engine top end has been rebuilt, including new timing chain and tensioner. All of the suspension and brake components have also been attended to
• Electrical overhaul also completed, plus refurbishment of the differential and steering rack

SUMMARY

• This Lotus Elite Series II is a beautifully restored example of the high-performance ‘SE’ model, which has been further enhanced with an engine upgrade to 1.5-litre capacity by renowned specialist John Exley Developments. It needs nothing to enjoy immediately, and would make a fine summer classic, and a great addition to any collection.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.