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The Lotus Elite was a turning point for Lotus. First produced at the end of the 1950s, it marked Lotus’ transition from a maker of small racing cars, which had limited utility on the road, to the producer of a highly sophisticated road and race car. In the Elite, Lotus exploited its knowledge of new technology and racing pedigree to produce a car which, with its glass fibre monocoque and Coventry Climax engine, had the potential to be a world beater.
This book gives an insight into the reasons the car was produced and its importance in Lotus’ history, especially in the production of lightweight innovative cars. Through interviews with Elite owners, first hand accounts provide a good overview of owning one of these iconic cars, covering its foibles and quirks as well as its exemplary roadholding, handling and performance. Illustrated with many colour photographs, along with period advertising material, the book provides a valuable insight into owning, running and racing these iconic cars.
Matthew Vale has been writing books on classic British motorcycles and cars since 2004. Now retired from day-to-day work in the IT industry, in which he was a Chartered IT professional specialising in computer security, he now devotes his free time to classic car and bike restoration, writing classic motoring books and articles and spending time with his wife and family.
In the past he has run such diverse classic cars as a Triumph Spitfire Mark III, MGB,Triumph Stag and a Lotus Elite, as well as restoring and riding classic bikes including the Triumph Bonneville, Norton Commando and BSA Lightning.
With a lifelong fascination for glass fibre bodied cars (stemming from early holiday jobs at various glass fibre factories), and ownership of many rusty cars, he is currently carrying out a nut and bolt (and glass fibre) restoration of a Lotus Elan Plus 2, while enjoying driving a lovely Plus 2.