Lotus Elite project needs finishing

[TrevorK]

I saw this Lotus Elite on Facebook Marketplace
https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item ... ref=search

I contacted the seller and he sent me a load more photos. It's had a repaint and a lot of work underneath. It does run but the carburettors need rebuilding although the kits are included in the sale. The passenger and rear seats have leopard print covers which, I suppose, is why it says they are mismatched.

The car is in Walsall. One of the rear brake bleed nipples is broken off and they need bleeding which is a pain but, with not too much effort, it should be a very nice example. Unfortunately it's too much work for me to do on my drive or, more likely, in the road next to the house but it could be of interest to someone on here.

[MetBlue]

Why would someone get it so close, then sell off as 'not having the time to finish'?
Looks a good starting point if the respray is anything like quality, but something does not quite stack up for me here.
Trevor : don't suppose any of the photos show the VIN and engine numbers? Interested for the register.
Tony

[TrevorK]

I've had another look through the photos he sent but I can't read the VIN when I zoom in on the plate. I can see some numbers on the bellhousing flange of the block but, again, when I zoom.in, they are too blurred to make out.

I suppose there could be a load of reasons why he is having to sell such as injury, arthritis, illness, loss of workshop, a new project. I was tempted but changing the rear brake nipple on the drive or, more probably, in the street does not appeal.

[MetBlue]

. One of the rear brake bleed nipples is broken off and they need bleeding which is a pain

Just occurred to me the rear bleed nipples are very accessible ( one of the few things that is on an elite rear suspension). It's got drums on the rear and the slave cylinder has an exit pipe running under the diff, with a bleed nipple on the end. If it's truly the nipple that's sheared, repair would be pretty easy by remaking the pipe end fitting on the car.

Go on Trevor. You know you want to

Tony

[TAR]

You'd pay 6k plus just for a good respray which means the car is essentially free

Looks like a great project.

[Alan_M]

That is sooooo tempting!!! I do fancy an Elite or Eclat and don’t fancy painting one.

[TrevorK]

The owner has rebuilt the carbs and it's now running well so he has decided to keep it and put it back on the road. I don't blame him.