M50 Prototype at the NEC auction.

[Patricklee]

Evening folks

I see that the green M50 prototype didn’t sell at auction at the NEC.

Did anyone here have a close up look at it?

A viable and usable car?

Cheers all

Patrick

[rbgosling]

That car was on our stand at the Restoration Show at the NEC last March. Arrived on a trailer, though, not under its own steam! Exhibited 50 years after its creation, alongside the 50th anniversary of the Elite.

It is essentially complete, the engine runs and it can drive, so there's no reason I am aware of that it couldn't be a viable car. Apparently the engine doesn't run too well, but surely that must be fixable, although how much effort that would take rather depends on what exactly is less-than-optimal about it now.

I guess the issue is that it is a unique vehicle; while it bears a strong resemblance to the eventual production Eclat there are some differences. It's got some excellent provenance, but all this makes putting a fair value on it nearly impossible - it's worth whatever the right Lotus dedicated enthusiast is willing to pay for it.

[AndrewWebber]

Also I would think the condition of the chassis will be key (if it is to be driven). In my opinion a difficult one on something like this as a 'chassis change' sort of removes a big chunk of the provenance you are buying, at least the body and interior looked reasonable.....

Andy