1976 Lotus Elite driving review and road test
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 лип 2024
- I do a review and road test of my Lotus Type 75 Elite on a drive in the countryside and talk about why it was so far ahead of its time.
If you're interested in the story of the Elite and its sister cars, I recommend Matthew Vale's excellent book on the subject: www.amazon.co.uk/Lotus-Elite-... - Авто та транспорт
Of course the Europa and Elan used engines from Renault and Ford respectively, not the other way round. Sorry that came out backwards.
Also, note that the 100 left on the road is a UK number - about half of the 2,500 made were exported, mainly to the US.
Just want to say a big thank you for your excellent review of this important British car. Like you, I was a little boy who fell in love with this car when it appeared. Later in life, for a brief period I owned a 503 and loved it but it struggled to complete many journeys and had probably seen better days. When it was good though, it was very very good. The kids loved those bucket seats - I loved the feedback through the mechanicals and the perfect optics of the raked windscreen - not to mention those pop-up headlamps and the knowledge that I was driving motoring history. I have seen another one now - an immaculate one I am really lusting after - but it may not come my way...I loved your other You Tube piece on the history of the car - beautifully done - first class journalism. You have a new fan.
I grew up in California, USA, in the small suburban town of Glendora, which is nestled up against the foothills of the San Bernardino mountains on the eastern edge of Los Angeles county. When I was in High School, there was a professor at our local University that liked his exotic performance cars. At various times, he had a Maserati Merak and two Lotus Elites of the type in this video. Later, I learned from a girl in choir that his son (her former boyfriend) had somehow rolled one of the Elites. At the time, he was wearing a yellow Lotus T-shirt with the famous logo on the front. In the accident, the shirt became saturated with some amount of his blood. The girl told me he had saved the shirt and hung it on his bedroom wall. That happened in 1976 or so.
I've always admired the Elite. I've only ever seen those two and possibly one or two more when I was able to tour England and Scotland in either 1976 or 1981. Nothing has ever looked like it or had that special dynamic grace one can see as it moves through the world. Lotus was quite something, back then.
I remember the 504 Elite - my Father lusted after one and we used to go to the Lotus Showroom a LOT! I think the 504 was the top of the line/luxury model, I used to have all the Lotus brochures. The 70s were a wonderful time for F1/Cars in general despite the oil crisis.
With the resurgence of LOTUS, This series will come into their own.
These cars are the reason I feel in love with Lotus. Between 1976 and 1984 my father owned 2 Elites and 1 Éclat when I was a young lad. I was the coolest kid when I was dropped off at school in them. They are now reason I'm on my 9th Lotus, an Evora
Unfortunately my father is no longer around anymore so when I see the interior shots when your driving the car and hear the engine note just brings back some great memories for me.....
Thank you...😉
Two words...love it. Chapman was a genius. I know, it's an often used and possibly trite comment but let's face it, he was.
I own a 79.. Underrated, undervalued, and forgotten cars in my opinion) Great video btw!
I am one of the lucky ones to own this car. Mine is a 1975 Federal spec., in Fiesta Red It was a 503 but I converted it to 502 spec with a manual rack, saving some 40 lbs at the front. Unfortunately I also have the Federal bumpers and Stromberg carbs, which I'll be changing soon. It definitely turns heads. Welcome to the "Elite" club.
Thank you! It’s not a car I would expect to need power steering and that’s a big weight saving, so that seems like a smart move. It would be very interesting to compare.
Strombergs? I never realised they fitted those. It doesn’t sound like an improvement over the Dellortos...
@@GrandThriftAuto Strombergs were standard equipment here in the US to meet emmisions standards. They are NOT an improvement at all. Hence the high demand for the Dellorto set-up for Jensen Healeys, Esprits, and Elite/Eclat in the States.
Fascinating cars. As a weekend driver it makes a lot of sense. Certainly different and waaaay more desirable than any Capri.
Agreed! Capris look great and are fun in the right spec, but these Lotuses certainly seem undervalued by comparison. Still, that's good news for anyone wanting to buy one...
No reason I can see for it not being a daily driver
Great to see someone championing these great cars. I have a ‘77 Elite and an ‘86 Excel. I picked them up from Lotus Owners Club members and they cost nothing, yet no car I have ever driven handles as well, including a Porsche 911! They are now at last being taken notice of by the classic car fraternity and prices can only go up, as well as those in fields and lockup’s being rescued and restored. Great channel.
At some point, not to far away. I reckon that this channel is going to absolutely explode in popularity! Edit: have found two abandoned in my town alongside an Excel SE!
Wow, thanks Sam, that’s a really encouraging message and very much appreciated! I’ll just keep trying to make the films I’d like to watch and it’ll be wonderful if others enjoy them too 😊
Assuming I would fit in, I would love one! The blue looks great too!
I'm almost six foot and I fit in fine - my head brushes the headlining, but only because it's come unglued and is hanging down. (I mean the headlining, not my head, though arguably it describes both.)
I HAD A 1977 ECLAT, and never liked the body of the Elite until watching you drive this one!! at the end i said to myself, I should have got the Elite!! great ride thank you
top trumps supercars..one of my favourites. nice to see someone with one who sees it for how an amazing a car it is.
I own 3 Lotus's and I now have one of these. Its in the situation of a full restoration but from what I have driven of it, its a brilliant bit of engineering for the generation.
Totally agree. Mine's had most of the mechanical work done but still needs a lot of work to look its best, and to tidy up a lot of little niggles. I reckon it's worth it though - perhaps not financially but because they are such great cars!
As a schoolboy in the 70s none of us lusted after one of these, too much of a weird shape. The Elan yes, and the Espirit obviously. I take your points regarding the power to weight ratio, very impressive for the time, and she may be great to drive. There's a reason why they are comparatively cheap though 🙂
I fell in love with these cars when I first saw one on the cover of the Observer book of cars in about 1976. I am hoping to retire in the next four years and I would very much like to purchase one of these amazing cars with which to drive into the sunset 🌇. Of course with my observer book in my pocket.
Absolutely mad for this car. On my bucket list. Yellow or this beautiful shade of blue. Actually any color at this point. I love the styling.
Brilliant video - almost up there in Harry's Garage territory. You've opened my eyes on a very special car - which takes me back to the trump card games I played when I was a boy. The aesthetics have certainly aged very well and the interior looks very comfy. I think it's time these special cars got the attention they deserve.
Thank you - they certainly are special, glad to have made a convert!
Pound shop Harry's Garage is pretty much exactly GrandThriftAuto's mission statement ;)
I have only found your channel today, and I cannot believe how high the production quality is. I have a lot of catching up to do. Many thanks.
Thanks! Hope you enjoy - the quality is better on the newer videos, this was quite an early one. Still learning 😊
I've always loved Lotus, but when I was younger I really didn't like this car, now I'm a bit older I've really come to like it.
I like that it has a usable boot, I like that it might actually fit more than 2 people in it, albeit a 2plus2, rather than adult sized seats in the back, I like the big glass rear window, And I like that I could quite happily wear a blue tuxedo with a frilly shirt whilst driving and feel groovy.
Great video, thanks for posting.
The frilly shirt is more or less compulsory. You can fit two surprisingly full sized people in the back seats actually, it's just not very elegant getting in and out. Also best if they don't have very big feet.
You have persuaded me of its merits, a largely forgotten gem
Great video and review. I love the Elite. I love the styling and think they are great fun to drive. I've had a few, would often get asked if it was a Ferrari wagon but also it was often suggested it looked like a sporty AMC Gremlin.
Ha, yes, I can see where the Gremlin idea comes from. Really glad you enjoyed the video!
These wedges have really come into their own in the last few years as regards their styling. Still prefer the Eclat design and the Espirit (S1) really is a beautiful wedge of ever there was. Pleased that values are edging up now.
Absolutely agree - the rest of the world has finally caught up with the styling cues, so the Elite looks less challenging than it once did (but still pretty striking). The Esprit is just stunning of course; S1/2/3, turbo or not - very difficult choice.
Owned one, loved it. Electrics were terrible (not a surprise at this time in england) mine was reddish orange and had a lovely zebra headlining. Headlights constantly failed to close and windscreen wipers often failed to work. wish I could have kept it.but I was just 18 when I bought it in 1988 so it moved off my parents driveway when I left home
Always liked the Elite - might have something to do with the Corgi models I had as a kid! Still, a very striking looking sports coupe / hatch.
Great review! In 1987 I bought a secondhand example in gold to drive to Le Mans and spectate at the 24h race. It was fun to drive but my passenger/spotter had to switch the aircon off for each overtaking manoeuvre as it sapped so much power. It equitted itself well on the trip but within a day or two of returning the differential seized... at least it waited!
Great video. I can see this channel becoming very popular also. Love the Elite so much I brought a purple one. 👍
Excellent, welcome to the channel! Purple is a superb colour for an Elite. That was very high on my shortlist for respraying mine, although Mrs Thrift-Auto did give me one of her looks.
@@GrandThriftAuto ha!!! I’ve got 3 girls so they love the purple. I think the Elites are a real hidden gem. I can’t believe you can still pick them up for such little money. Definitely an appreciating classic.
Love it! Very compelling argument for the Elite, both in 74 and 2021. Thanks for making this.
Thanks Tim, glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for another video on the Lotus and descriptions. Great to see you getting out and about in it and enjoying the driving experience.
Glad you enjoyed it too!
We would love to see more videos of the Elite please. Not much on UA-cam regards to this model. I've really enjoyed the videos so far and takes me back to the 80s when my Dad owned a silver 504. Great work .
Thanks David, glad you’ve enjoyed the videos. I’ve been away and then locked down for 10 days so haven’t been able to get to the cars - the Lotus is misbehaving again so the next video will probably be trying to fix it 😔
I loved this car, a mate had one, have travelled a couple of thousand miles in
it. I went well, very well,and seemed like it was on rails. Perfectly normal Lotus, tune every 500 miles and a tendency to try to catch fire. All in all a really nice car. If I was in the money I’d have one.
I have driven this car and it is very fabulous!
4:41 Flipping heck WHAT a road! What a car too! Great work here all round!
Thanks! Gower has some beautiful scenery. Older cars are ideal around here, as you don't need to drive fast to enjoy them - there are too many sheep, wild ponies and distracted cyclists for driving fast. Sadly not everyone understands that.
I loved my dads gun metal grey 501.He bought in new in 1976.All my mates were jealous.😁😁😁 Subscribed.
I would have exploded with jealousy!
Lovely to see an extended run with this classic, plus great informative narration (sounding a bit like Quentin Wilson (!) Many thanks for these uploads, looking forward to seeing more...as and when time allows of course.
Glad you enjoyed it! Quentin Willson though... hmm, may need to work on that ;)
@@GrandThriftAuto More the actual voice and inflection - I appreciate he's an experienced pro...eg. ua-cam.com/video/KnrVhu4Afik/v-deo.html
I had a yellow 503, late 80s, bought for @2k, after falling for them when they came out in the 70s, I did have some work to do..great driving experience, always an Event to drive one of these, in a good way, that is..super cool ride, but in my opinion , not that fast, I reckon they had about 130 real world bhp from that 2 litre engine, I did have an 80s 2.2 Eclat as well, a very well sorted car, with a great engine, albeit for a 2.2. Its all about the easy light handling, and cornering, and that awesome Lamborghini Espada type interior!
I agree with all of that :)
My dream car ever since I had a corgi model
Love it, always wanted one.
Yes fell in love with it at Len Street auto , in 1975 whilst fitting new petrol pumps , twice the price of a house I had just purchased on a 20 year mortgage . Home for the weekend and a mates farther offered me his Ferrari Dino for 7k , but I could not get insurance . Well I had two excels a 5 seat red one and a white one only a four seater as my daughter was older . Two very good happy times , some trouble but mainly silly items .
Just had one pop up on my local FB Marketplace and had to see what this car is about. Absolutely love everything you showed about it.
👍 Excellent comprehensive review, thank you. I'd buy one on the strength of your assessment.
Good to know the safety credentials as well as the balance of refinement and sporting feel. An Elite really appeals and was top of my shortlist until I bought an mgb gt. If I don't enjoy the mg experience I'll go for an Elite or Excel, although I prefer the look of the Elite.
Subscribed to your channel, keep up the good work.
Love the styling of the Elite. There's nothing else that makes you experience the same. And I was thinking the same thing about the 944 engine, which gave about 163bhp from 2.5 litres - but with fuel injection also! I own a 944S, and the engine is spectacularly dull and uninspiring. It's pretty amazing that Lotus managed to get almost 160bhp from a 2 litre motor on carbs - was unheard of back then.
Love the Elite.
Love it! And wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. But thank you for sharing this, so great to see these remarkable cars still on the road.
Ha! Fair enough - probably sensible, though this one hasn’t been much trouble (and hardly any of it serious).
I'm 58 and in the early nineties as a young buck, newly qualified Chartered Accountant with money to burn was desperately seeking an S2.2 Elite. Couldn't find a decent one and time moved on. One day maybe.
I remember my Dad hating it back in the late 70s, early 80s, and I remember building a model kit of one around that time too. The Elite has steadily grown on me over the years and leaves me on a knife edge to look for one of these or, mainly due to being newer, an Excel.
always lusted after one of these. Fabulous! Wonder if they're still 'Lots of Trouble' of if those woes got ironed out with modern engineering
Love it and want one. Great review!
This was absolutely brilliant to see, thanks very much indeed for this review.I always used to see these once in a blue moon and thought they looked other worldly , they still look fabulous today. I also loved the Excel . These cars are incredibly cool
Thank You Please keep the Elite videos coming. Very informative.
Great video, thanks! Stateside they only shipped about 330 throughout the production. I've got a '74 & two '77's. The one on the road is the same color as yours. Very nice handling cars.
Thanks Kenny - I didn't realise so few were exported. I'm not sure if I'm jealous of you having two or sympathetic!
Let’s see them!
Bought one of these cheap, got it running but never had the chance to drive it, sold it on eBay and it was bought by a British car enthusiast in Belgium 🇧🇪.
Shame you missed out on the drive!
Greetings from the colonies (New Zealand). I've been a long time Lotus fan, Elan +2 especially and slowly watched them disappear beyond my price range. Fortunately about a month before we went into lock down, I saw a 1984 Excel for sale at an extremely good price and pounced, It has been an absolute joy. Met some interesting people through taking the car out and about. On your comment about numbers. Registered for road use in NZ we have the following. As of April 2020
5 Eclat's
23 Elite's (from the 70's & 80's)
21 Excels
many 7's real and replica's (they built "real Lotus S4 7's" in NZ)
many Esprit's
lots of Elan's of all varieties
and a surprising number of Europa's
and lots of newer Lotuses
Anyway have fun with your car
Love it - I'd have one. Iconic and extremely affordable. Better sort myself out!
Go for it Paul!
@@GrandThriftAuto now getting all my excuses ready...
Just don't do it.
Had earlier model. But....
I m definitely in the bargepole camp but so glad you are keeping going a rare and interesting car. The engine noise and intrusion into the cabin would get to me after 10 minutes. I always thought the 3/4 styling was rather odd and jarring. The engine though was 10 to 15 years ahead of its time output wise and the performance seems very lively. What a great informative review.
Fab vid - really inspiring me to sort my ‘75 elite out - needs carbs putting back together and sparks going thru :)
I own 3 of them here State side of the pond. a 74, and two 77's. One of the 77's is on the road right now. Love it!
Half of me is jealous and half of me is glad I've only got one!
Just to add a note... The '77 that's on the road is Lagoon Blue also! Wish I could post a pic of it here...
@@kenny9447 Best colour! If you feel like emailing a photo to me at martin[at]grandthriftauto.uk then I’ll put it in a community post on here :)
@@GrandThriftAuto I will send over a few! Thanks!
love it for a long time!
These were never on my radar, until I had a shot of one.. #targetacquired
Ha! I had a similar experience with a Clio 172, as you may recall...
Great videos. Thanks for taking the time to put them together and for sharing them. Mines a 503 and the engine is currently out … I’m just pondering what to replace or fix before I do. Oh … and the windscreen also has a crack from top to bottom. So generally moving backwards!
Glad you’re enjoying the videos, I really hope they can help you motivated while yours is engineless. I know that moving backwards feeling - but it’s worth it when you do finally take enough steps forwards to take it out for a run!
I still miss my old FHC Elan Sprint. A car so perrfect in proportions, so deft in response, so enchanting in use that it remains the most sensual steer I've ever known. When it ran... These roads over Cefn Bryn formed part of what I termed the 'Gower-ring'. A wonderfully-awful test for any motor. The Elite has such a rakish, shooting-brake air. An engaging and informative video, as always.
My late father bought a 501 new at Len Street Motors in 1976.Gun metal grey with oatmeal interior.It had a few problems that Mike Kimberley took care of.Marina door lock failed and the head lights didn't "pop up ".It was so cool being taken to school.Dad had it for a year and traded for 911 Turbo.
Subscribed.
Love your videos. 👍
Thanks very much!
There’ll be a new one in a few days, editing it now - sorry it’s been a long wait 😬
Another great video Martin.
Thanks! And no offence meant to MGBs, of course 😬
@@GrandThriftAuto none taken and after all you did rescue me when the ignition coil on the MGB packed up.
I remember getting one of these as a toy when I was a kid (circa 1976/77) ..... I’m sure it was a black one .... loved these cars .
Me too! Same year/s, mine was red & a P registration plate.
I love the Elite! I have an 85 Turbo Esprit but sometimes lust afer the front engine N/A cars
Ooohh, a mid-80s Turbo Esprit is a proper dream car! It would be really interesting to compare the mid and front engined driving experience.
Love the name of this channel.
Thanks! I’m now enjoying your channel too 😊
@@GrandThriftAuto cheers! I will be watching for future videos. I just picked up an Elite after years of looking. It needs a bit of work but don’t they all ?
Love it. Getting one.
Love it and the latter Excel, very practical as well.
It really is, certainly for a sports car. New film on it coming next week - plenty of room in the back for filming gear! (And a lot of water and a small toolkit...)
i would love one, i had an excel for a couple of years as a daily drive
Excellent! I imagine an Excel is a pretty viable proposition as a daily driver? Very civilised machine - but still a fantastic drive by all accounts.
@@GrandThriftAuto it was a great car and handled unbelievably. The chassis was superb. I think it a common swap on the elite
@@tonysangwine-gould4733 Yes, in fact I think the swap generally extends to the drivetrain and possibly suspension and brakes too, as there are some fairly significant differences.
Really informative and enjoyable
Thanks!
Love them!
Really good video thanks
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Love it, want one
Love the styling but love the Eclat even more. Trying find one that isn't a wreck but still affordable is a challenge.
Great video. Probably the best effort to bring some long overdue love to these classics in many, many years.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Yes, it took me a while to find this one, which needed work (still does) but was fundamentally pretty sound.
My dad had a gold eclat 2.2 with the more torque engine and getrag gearbox. Great car......when it worked!
Good video and a very futuristic car back in the day.
Thanks!
I had one and loved it, unfortunately I had to sell it, but one day I will buy another one, in fact I hade all 3, esprit, elite and eclat, all 1977s, they are the best
I had a s2 eclat back in the day. I don't think that I've ever seen one since
love it want one
Lovely car I would love one 😊
A few years back I had the opportunity to purchase one of these with a Rover v8 conversion. However, it needed some rewiring and gearbox work that put me off. Ended getting a Beetle instead which was a good investment choice and easy to maintain. But still, as a kid I was major lotus fan and while most people loved the Esprit because of James Bond, the Elite was easily my favourite because of the semi=practical 2 plus 2 seating and hatch. And it still has the wow factor as far as I'm concerned.
I think they _all_ need some rewiring 😊 This one certainly does. Ah well!
Love it. Want it. Been looking for a long while. Most appear to be forlorn.
You’re right - I have an eBay saved search for them and almost all look very tired. Mine is scruffy but was at least drivable…just. (It’s a lot better now, but still scruffy.)
Good video about a remarkable car. Thank you. It was from another time and maybe planet when it came out.... But market failure was not surprising. The price was astronomical and reliability was absent. They were new cars whose usability was on a par with some of the ageing classics people now drive. A quite remarkable car, but not one the market undervalues.... As with all classics, the market tells the truth. Great to see. Probably great to drive. Almost certainly not a joy to try to keep running.
Thanks. All fair points, although I still think the market has some irrational whims and prejudices.
By now, all old cars are old and take some looking after. A friend paid a lot more for a show condition MGB and has had no end of issues with it, for example.
@@GrandThriftAuto You are quite right. My wife runs a 1961 Spridget (although built in Italy) and of course thongs break and fail. But there is a difference between finding a water pump, distributor, prop shaft or headlamp for an old BMC car and getting the same parts for a 1970s Lotus. Even Lotus specialists probably see one of these twice a year. Nonetheless, it was probably my dream car when I was ten. And it is good to see one being driven and enjoyed.
Great video. Subscribed!✔⭐
Thanks, very glad you enjoyed it!
i'd buy one. Perfect little
surf car.
I've always been a fan of the lotus Europa but I never seen one of these Eliite 75's
Definitely ahead of its time and I think more than just striking she is beautiful
But I am a product of the shape of things to come TR7 advertisements
A very nice review thank you 👍
Love it!
one of my fav make of car any lotus model which they make
Mine too! Although if I won the lottery I could also get excited about an Esprit, and a few others.
I still think these look like an Esprit crossed with an Espada. Lotus really did understand how less was more. Looks like a GT car but no GT car would be so light, or as efficient.
Agreed, and I do see your point about the Espada, though I think the Elite is leaner and more taut. The Espada’s curves can look a bit - dare I say it - baggy from some angles.
First I was working at the dealer when these came out. Overheating? Not that I saw Jensen or Lotus. The only Oheating I saw was in the Esprit, damn otter valve (fan switch) poping out. The Power steering I always thought was because of the front end would shake like hell when you hit a bump, like railroad tracks. I always thought it should have had a 6 cyl, looks like it anyway. Yes I know in the 70's 140-160 hp was pretty good but 200hp in a 3ltr 6 would have been a knock out.
I liked the model since its first appearance in the magazines however today it's Achilles heal continues to be rust in the chassis,which you can say is much the same for any Lotus model. Still that twin cam engine with the twin Weber DCOE carbs was something I always lusted after as a young man
Yes, although the Series 2 galvanised ones are pretty good as long as they don't get damaged somehow, usually through ham-fisted jacking by someone who doesn't know what they're doing. Mine had a replacement galvanised chassis years ago and it's still rust-free.
Want one!
Well made video. I enjoyed watching.
I like the elite style over the eclat. The elite has more character ( you like it or hate it) and the headroom in the back is just better.
I own a 1980 lotus esprit S2.2. Also beautyfull and with only 88 built , very rare.
Ooohh, an Esprit S2.2 or perhaps an S3 is probably my favourite Lotus of all, although I love the eccentric look of the Elite as you say. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I was fortunate enough to sell them new at Kingsclere Carriage Company then Len Street Of Chelsea. Today my Goal is a mint Excel SE that I will have fitted with the Toyota V-6 motor...
That's very interesting! It's possible that Len Street was the supplying dealer of mine - it's certainly a London registration. I have a history file but I don't think it includes the original bill of sale.
Love them and would buy one, my only concern would be the over inflated parts cost just because it has a prestige badge.
Actually the parts costs aren't generally too bad, certainly not over-inflated like those of some other sporting brands. LotusBits, who I use, started out as a specialist breaker for wedge-shaped Lotuses and still use and supply reconditioned parts where appropriate. There's a great support base on The Lotus Forums as well (www.thelotusforums.com/forums/forum/215-elite-eclat-excel/). So don't let that hold you back!
Parts are not difficult to find or overly pricey
Love it, but I'm biased , I also own a p reg 503 , great review 👍
Thanks - you are clearly a gentleman of great taste and distinction! 😉
@@GrandThriftAuto 😆 I read that out to my wife , "he hasn't seen your patchy lemon then" was her answer ! I'll finish it one day . Affordable-cool I call them .
I recall as a child a neighbour buying one of these and it did fall apart and apparently leak so its interior rotted. However I still want one, although I thought later ones got the ZF gearbox used in the Sunbeam Lotus and would favour the Excel.
It was actually a Getrag gearbox in the later Elites, but yes. A well sorted Excel is an excellent car, better than mine in pretty much every way; there’s something about the 1970s ‘car of the future’ feel of the Elite that just appeals to me though.