LOTUS ELITE
TYPE 14
Excelling on both road and track
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION
The Lotus Elite Type 14 that emerged from a top-secret workshop close to the main Lotus Hornsey workshop in 1956, fuelled Colin Chapman's pursuit of racing excellence while providing a solid financial foothold for Lotus. With ground-breaking construction and an aerodynamic design, it emerged as an iconic road car of the late 1950s that would push the boundaries of automotive innovation.
AESTHETIC AND AERODYNAMIC
Designed by Peter Kirwin-Taylor with input from John Frayling, Peter Cambridge and Ron Hickman along with aerodynamics expert Frank Costin who worked together to create a design with an aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.29 that still captivates automotive enthusiasts to this day.
EXCLUSIVE GRAND TOURING CAR WITH LOTUS PERFORMANCE AND STABILITY
The Lotus Elite featured a ground-breaking fibreglass monocoque chassis/body unit, that pioneered both lightweight construction and aerodynamic design. Demonstrating exceptional handling and performance the Type 14 Elite excelled on both road and track.
RACING CAR LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
The Lotus Elite made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1957, to immediate acclaim. It was also a formidable racer, with drivers like Ian Walker, John Wagstaff and Sir John Whitmore securing victories on the track. The Elite's early successes in motorsport would continue into the 60s, with notable appearances at Le Mans with Jim Clark behind the wheel.
ALL THE APPOINTMENTS EXPECTED IN A MODERN CAR
The exterior exuded elegance, with flowing lines and carefully sculpted curves that hinted at the car's remarkable capabilities. The Lotus Elite’s stylish interior was designed by Peter Cambridge, with the two-seater cabin offering a surprising sense of spaciousness and ergonomic comfort. The design team employed elements such as larger doors and strategically moulded interior panels to enhance accessibility and practicality.
REMARKABLE FUEL ECONOMY AT THREE-FIGURE CRUISING SPEEDS
Powering the Elite was the Coventry Climax FWE engine. While its 75bhp output might have seemed low on paper, the Elite's power-to-weight ratio and class leading low drag still ensured thrilling performance and classic Lotus driving dynamics. Every aspect of the Elite's design, from its lightweight construction to its race-bred suspension, contributed to an exhilarating driving experience that set it apart from the competition.
ELITE TYPE 14 STATISTICS
SPECIAL
EDITIONS