A Former Penthouse Model In Need of Rescue!

This Lotus Elite has had a fascinating history.  It started life as a Press Car, featuring in contemporary articles in Car Magazine, Penthouse (by the inimitable LJK Setright), and others, as well as other publicity shots and Lotus' own brochures.

It was then used as a test mule, fitted with a Rover V8 engine in anticipation of Lotus developing their own V8 - something that was finally realised 20 years later with the Esprit V8.  It was returned to the standard Lotus 907 engine, but a bonnet hump remains as a memento of the V8 it once housed.

For the last 40-odd years, it has belonged to the now-retired Head of Engineering at Lotus Cars.  For most of its recent history it has sat deteriorating, half-buried in a hedge, from which it was unceremoniously dragged a couple of months ago.

The car is complete (apart from the bits of chassis that have rusted off...) and remarkably original, including some wood-effect door trim seen only on the very earliest cars, and even the original Philips radio.

The Lotus Grand Tourers will present this storied car on their stand at the PC Classic Car & Restoration Show just as it was found in the hedge.  With the current owner no longer able to care for it, this is the ideal opportunity for the car to find a dedicated new owner who could restore it to its deserved glory.  If you think that could be you, come and speak to us at the show, or get in touch at https://www.lotusexcel.net/viewtopic.php?p=107577