Lotus Elite Type 75 Series 2
The Lotus Elite Type 75, introduced in 1974, represented Colin Chapman's bold vision to move Lotus upmarket from its kit-car roots into the realm of sophisticated grand tourers. This second-generation Elite (not to be confused with the 1950s Elite) was a dramatically different proposition from earlier Lotus models: a practical four-seater with genuine luggage space, air conditioning, and luxury appointments. At its heart was Lotus's new all-alloy 907 engine, a 2.0-liter twin-cam four-cylinder that produced 160 horsepower in its most powerful form. This sophisticated engine featured hemispherical combustion chambers, four valves per cylinder operated by twin overhead camshafts, and excellent specific output. The Elite's fiberglass body was bonded to a steel backbone chassis in classic Lotus fashion, keeping weight remarkably low at just 2,350 pounds despite the car's size and equipment. The result was scintillating performance: 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph, figures that embarrassed many sports cars and matched Porsche 911s of the era. The Elite's handling lived up to Lotus's reputation, with precise steering, balanced chassis dynamics, and impressive grip. The wedge-shaped styling by Oliver Winterbottom was dramatic and modern, with pop-up headlights and a sleek profile. Inside, the Elite offered a futuristic dashboard with comprehensive instrumentation, comfortable seating for four, and good luggage space. However, the Elite's ambitions exceeded Lotus's capabilities at the time. Build quality was inconsistent, with numerous electrical problems, trim issues, and reliability concerns. The complex vacuum-operated pop-up headlights were troublesome, and various components proved fragile. Despite these issues, the Elite demonstrated remarkable engineering prowess and offered supercar performance with practical usability at a fraction of the cost of competitors. Today, well-maintained examples are appreciated for their unique combination of performance, practicality, and distinctive character.
Check fiberglass body-to-chassis bonding carefully. Inspect backbone chassis for corrosion. Verify electrical systems work properly, especially pop-up headlights. Engine is robust but parts can be scarce. Check for oil leaks. Interior trim quality varies. Well-documented cars with service history essential. Many have been neglected.
Featured Lotus's new 907 four-cylinder twin-cam engine. Available in several specifications with varying power outputs. Series 2 from 1980 received interior and mechanical improvements. Build quality issues affected reputation. Production limited to 2,398 units.