Penned by Oliver Winterbottom, the Elite’s sleek fibreglass bodywork (0.30cd) sat atop a steel backbone chassis equipped with all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering.
The world’s most expensive four-cylinder car during its eight-year production run (1974-1982), the 2+2-seater was also notable for being among the last Lotus road cars to receive significant design input from marque founder, Colin Chapman. Gifted to Mario Andretti during 1976, the same season that saw him score his maiden F1 victory and two years before he became F1 World Champion, chassis 76030100C was finished in Red with Cream leather.Īndretti is known for his pithy quotes, for example: “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.”Īnnounced in May 1974, the Type 75 Elite was part of a determined push upmarket by Lotus. Never one to miss a trick, either on or off the track, Chapman ensured that his superstar drivers were seen behind the wheel of Lotus products whenever possible. It is estimated to sell for £10,000 to £12,000.Īlthough Mario Andretti had driven Lotus F1 cars in 19, it was not until 1976 that he became a full-time member of the famous equipe.
This Lotus sportscar coming to sale with H&H Classics is the very one Andretti received from Colin Chapman during the season that the American great achieved his first Grand Prix Victory.
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