Classic Car Classifieds > Lotus Elite S2.2

From 1974 to 1982, Lotus produced the four seat, considerably larger Type 75 and later Type 83 Elite. Lotus sought with this design to position itself upmarket, and move away from its kit car past.The Elite replaced the ageing Lotus Elan Plus 2, whilst the mid engined Lotus Esprit replaced the Europa.

The Elite was configured as a small shooting brake, with a hatchback luggage compartment. It was front engined with rear wheel drive. Like all production Lotuses since the Elan, the Elite used fibreglass for the hatchback bodyshell, mounted on a steel backbone chassis evolved from the Elan and Europa. It had 4-wheel independent suspension using coil springs. The Elite was Lotus' first car to use the 907 aluminium-block 4-valve, DOHC, four-cylinder, 1973cc, developing 155 bhp. (The 907 engine had previously been used in Jensen-Healeys.) The 907 engine ultimately became the foundation for the 2.0 L and 2.2 L Lotus Esprit powerplants, the naturally aspirated 912 and the turbocharged 910. The Elite was fitted with a 4 or 5 speed gearbox and from January 1976 automatic transmission was optional.