Original Elite press release from 1974

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richardw
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Posts: 2224
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2013 15:06
Model: Elite S2.2 Automatic
Colour: Essex Blue
Year: 1981
Location: Worcestershire

Original Elite press release from 1974

Post by richardw »

Club Lotus has very kindly forwarded to us an original press release document for the Lotus Elite from 1974. It was sent in by a member who was having a clear out. This valuable document comprises 5 pages (shown below), and there are subsequent sections as follows:

Technical description with sections describing Chassis, Body, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Engine, Gearbox, Wheels and Tyres, Steering Gear, Braking System, Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Electrical System, Instruments, Heating and Ventilation, Final Drive, Exhaust System, Miscellaneous Equipment, Hard Trim (exterior) and Soft Trim. These sections total 12 pages.

Elite Vehicle Performance Specification and General Data, comprising 4 pages

A Brief History of Lotus Production (4 pages)

I plan to scan the entire document in as a pdf and make it available to members of this Forum.
Here is the release itself:

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Cheers, Richard
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AndrewWebber
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Posts: 193
Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2021 14:21
Model: Elite S1 503, Plus 2, Europa '
Colour: Gold
Year: 1979
Location: Kent

Re: Original Elite press release from 1974

Post by AndrewWebber »

That reads like a really nice car!

Pete Boole
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Posts: 3711
Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2006 21:28
Model: Elite
Colour: Monaco White
Year: 1974
Location: Nottingham

Re: Original Elite press release from 1974

Post by Pete Boole »

Think I'll have one!! I've never seen the "bonded aluminium" version of the radiator - very interesting. I wonder if any still exist? Great document Richard - thanks for sharing!

Pete

richardw
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Posts: 2224
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2013 15:06
Model: Elite S2.2 Automatic
Colour: Essex Blue
Year: 1981
Location: Worcestershire

Re: Original Elite press release from 1974

Post by richardw »

AndrewWebber wrote:
Fri Nov 25, 2022 18:34
That reads like a really nice car!
Dead right Andy. So many innovations and ‘firsts’ in a car from a low volume manufacturer that only took 3 years to bring to market. Mike Kimberley commented on Facebook, ‘I remember every word of that document.’ He was intimately concerned in bringing the car to market and has demonstrated over the years his love for and commitment to the Elite.

Cheers, Richard
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richardw
Moderator
Posts: 2224
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2013 15:06
Model: Elite S2.2 Automatic
Colour: Essex Blue
Year: 1981
Location: Worcestershire

Re: Original Elite press release from 1974

Post by richardw »

Pete Boole wrote:
Fri Nov 25, 2022 19:57
Think I'll have one!! I've never seen the "bonded aluminium" version of the radiator - very interesting. I wonder if any still exist? Great document Richard - thanks for sharing!

Pete
I’ll be scanning the document over the weekend and will email it to you Pete.

Cheers, Richard
Image

Pete Boole
Senior Poster
Posts: 3711
Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2006 21:28
Model: Elite
Colour: Monaco White
Year: 1974
Location: Nottingham

Re: Original Elite press release from 1974

Post by Pete Boole »

That would be great Richard - thanks!

Pete

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DavidOliver
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Posts: 688
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2014 11:18
Model: Excel
Colour: Calypso Red
Year: 1985
Location: Malaga Spain

Re: Original Elite press release from 1974

Post by DavidOliver »

I knew our cars were/are very special with the end result of an amazing driving experience.
I have never read such a detailed description of the body concepts.
Is there a similar description of the 9XX engine design anywhere? Just as special as the rest of the car.
This body document will close any sales deal to an Elite/Excel pondering newcomer.
Please put me on the list for a scanned document.
And perhaps show this document to visitors attending Classic Car meetings. I doubt modern cars are even allowed to have these design features.

Dave the cog.

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