RetroMarques Ltd is pleased to offer for sale a 1959 Lotus Elite ‘995 XUU’ – early lightweight model, rare 1480cc Climax engine, period mods ...NOW SOLD
|
RetroMarques Ltd is pleased to offer for sale a 1959 Lotus Elite ‘995 XUU’ – early lightweight model, rare 1480cc Climax engine, period mods...An opportunity to own a rare, early Elite. One of the first batch of Maximar (Mouldings Ltd) bodied cars and weighing only 690kg ‘wet’. It is believed that this Elite was a competition car built in 1959 but only subsequently registered for the road in 1960. In the present ownership since 2010, during which time the invoices on file show that XUU has benefitted from significant investment.
This Elite has an interesting engine. The FWB is normally 1460cc but this engine is one of two originally supplied to Christopher Cockerell to be fitted to the prototype hovercraft as a lift engine and is to 1480cc (special pistons made for the engine by Andrew Tart). Andrew Tart (ATME) has carried out a thorough mechanical rebuild of the car over the past 2-3 years since when it has only accrued some 1500 miles or so. Following the rebuild, the rolling road showed 95.5 bhp and 106 lb/ft torque.
This car has some quite rare period racing mods including ‘aerodynamic treatment’ to the body (bumper removed and re-profiled nose, NACA bonnet duct, rear Perspex window) Original (quite bare!) interior, original instruments and steering wheel A number of spare parts and specialist tools accompany the car In-depth history file including original Elite Type 14 manuals (Drivers, Workshop etc), invoices, registration and MoT test certificates and Elite articles etc The stripped-out but original interior may not appeal to some but the addition of carpeting would easily solve that, whilst the seats, dash and steering wheel are all authentic and to a very good standard. The wheels, tyres and brightwork are all good, so too the side windows, whilst the paintwork does detract a little as on very close inspection areas of micro-blistering can be seen (paintwork can be carried out in-house in our own bodyshop, so do please discuss this option with us). In summary a rare, highly original, lightweight Elite with a very rare engine fitted and mechanically very well sorted by Andrew Tart. The somewhat intriguing history – and plenty of it – only adds to the desirability of ‘XUU’ with potentially some more to discover. An Elite in top-notch condition mechanically and ready to enjoy! Please also see the C&G Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica for sale from the same stable, an ideal start – or addition - to a very select collection? NOW SOLD Please contact Mark Knight for further details or to arrange a viewing and test drive: 07791 417256 or Mark@retromarques.co.uk Please note that viewings are by appointment only. |
