Lotus Elite 501 (the wedge) question

[klassiekerrally]

I'm one of a seemingly small group of people who actually like the Lotus Elite 501.
Were there ever any built in left hand drive? Or were they all built with the steering wheel on the wrong side?
Prices are very low, but that is often the case with rhd cars over here (NL).

Wim

[Simonelite501]

Personally, I've never come across a LHD Elite, but I'm not saying there aren't any.
Prices are really low over here in the UK too. These cars just aren't looked upon favorably at all. Although they are great when they are going. Though thats not very often read here www.pistonheads.com/members/showServiceHistory.asp?carId=891

Edited by Simonelite501 on Wednesday 25th October 22:07

[anonymous-user]

I believe conventional wisdom dictates that the Excel is the only Elite/Eclat car which commands any significant value these days. Not least because the Excel was much better sorted both in terms of the engine (which by then had the bugs ironed out) and the chassis. Toyota parts can generally be relied upon to enhance any Lotus!

[klassiekerrally]

But I don't like the (IMHO) too 'normal' looks of the Excel/Eclat

[ndixon]

There are many LHD Elites, Eclat and Excels about.

you need to search,

Neil

[klassiekerrally]

ndixon said:

There are many LHD Elites, Eclat and Excels about.

you need to search,

Neil

Thanks! I'll keep my eyes open.
All the Elites I've seen so far were RHD. Most of them were for sale in Germany, on www.mobile.de

[ELAN+2]

The 500 series Elites were mostly made LHD in the earlier years of production, The USA should be a good place to search, however as I also highly regard this under rated and un loved lotus I would go for the Series2.2 as these had a proper (getrag)gearbox rather than Lotuses own nasty Maxi derived effort and a Galvanised chassis and the torquier,stronger 2.2 engine, also IMHO the minor styling changes make it a much better looking car. I'd love to get my mits on a Riviera (last of the line and only 7 or so made!!) as my next resto project.

Mark

[klassiekerrally]

[quote=ELAN+2]The 500 series Elites were mostly made LHD in the earlier years of production, The USA should be a good place to search, however as I also highly regard this under rated and un loved lotus I would go for the Series2.2 as these had a proper (getrag)gearbox rather than Lotuses own nasty Maxi derived effort and a Galvanised chassis and the torquier,stronger 2.2 engine, also IMHO the minor styling changes make it a much better looking car. I'd love to get my mits on a Riviera (last of the line and only 7 or so made!!) as my next resto project.

Mark[/quote]
The 2.2 is my favourite, but it is also one of the rarest, isn't it?

[ELAN+2]

yes, sadly the market didnt want the elite after the earlier cars problems, as such it was dropped as the excel came out. (originally Eclat XL) Some dodgy stunt to avoid re type aproving the totally new car (bear in mind it had different chassis, transmission, brakes and bodyshell!!)

I'd love to get hold of an accident damaged Excel, and graft a series 2 elite back end onto an excel front and chassis!!That would be my ultimate front engined Lotus. Maybe I'll have a tinker after the plus 2 is done.