1981 Lotus Elite 2.2

Highlights

• An increasingly rare example of the later 2.2-litre Series 2
• In current ownership for approximately 29 years
• Engine rebuilt by QED in Leicestershire during current ownership
• Interior reupholstered and presenting well for its age
• New tyres and new fuel pump recently fitted

The Appeal

Bold to the core, the 2nd-gen Lotus Elite's wedge-shaped silhouette, slant-four engine and galvanised chassis continue to make for a deeply capable, agile sports car. As you might expect from Colin Chapman's operation, it's a car of unique character - eccentric, striking and purely driver-focused.

This particular car has been in the hands of its current keeper since 1997 - a near 29-year period of single ownership that speaks to the attachment these cars inspire. The engine was rebuilt by QED in Leicestershire, and the interior has been reupholstered. More recently, new tyres and a new fuel pump have been fitted, and the car was driven approximately 13 miles from its storage location to the vendor's home without issue.

This is offered as a running and usable classic that will benefit from some recommissioning after a period of limited use. New bushes are included with the sale but require fitting, and the electrical systems and underside would benefit from a thorough inspection. For someone seeking a rare and characterful British classic with a solid foundation of long-term ownership and specialist engine work, this Lotus Elite S2.2 is ready and waiting to be recommissioned.

Key Information

• Mileage: 68,532 miles (stated as correct by the vendor, no independent verification documented)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 2,200cc inline four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual
• Paperwork: Small collection of invoices

The Detail

• Engine rebuilt by QED in Leicestershire in 1998
• New fuel pump recently fitted
• New tyres recently fitted
• Battery replaced in 2025 but has gone flat from lack of use
  • Currently requires jump starting but runs with no battery warning light illuminated
• The vendor states the battery may simply need a full charge
• Recently driven approximately 13 miles from storage to the vendor's home without issue
• The vendor states the reupholstered interior is in very good condition
• Paintwork shows some bubbling in places
• Bodywork appears largely solid and well-kept
• Some age-commensurate marks, blemishes and wear throughout
• Stored in a warehouse for a number of years; more recently kept outside on the drive
• Would benefit from a thorough clean and recommissioning
• Some new bushes are included with the car but require fitting
• Suspension components and underside would benefit from inspection
• Instruments, switchgear and electrics should be checked as part of recommissioning

BEFORE YOU BUY

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