Chassis No. 1260
Engine No. 8245
Unveiled at the 1957 London Motor Show, the Elite (Type 14) was Colin Chapman’s first production road car and also the world’s first fibreglass monocoque. The specification included Formula 2-derived all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes (inboard at the rear). Powered by a Coventry-Climax SOHC four-cylinder ‘FWE’ engine mated to four-speed manual transmission, its amazing 0.29 drag co-efficiency allowed all but the basic variant to claim a top speed of over 120mph. The work of Peter Kirwin-Taylor, aerodynamicist Frank Costin and John Frayling, the coupe’s super sleek silhouette is still considered a masterpiece. The first 250 or so examples, including this car, were fitted with ‘Maximar’ bodies, whilst later cars had their coachwork outsourced to the Bristol Aeroplane Company.
This Series 1 Elite comes to the market following twelve years of ownership and has been in dry storage throughout – it has seen very little use during this period. ‘RWH 800’ was originally supplied new to its first custodian on the 12th July 1960, via dealers David Buxton Cars Ltd of Derby, who were also TVR main agents at the time. The accompanying ‘Club Elite’ dating letter and Lotus Archive ‘certificate of provenance’ confirm that the car was still resident in the North West of England (Wigan) up until at least 1972. Other paperwork in the file then shows that it was exported and re-registered in Switzerland during 1987 by Urban Fassler – the well known Lotus 35 racer and FJ/F3 preparer/supplier, who served his time at Sauber in period. It returned to the UK in 2008, when purchased by classic racing car specialist Sid Hoole, before passing on to our vendor in 2014. Evidently a recipient of much past professional restoration work, ‘RWH 800’ displays extremely well, with only minor wear commensurate with age and use. Running well during our recent photography session, this early Elite is UK registered, ready to use and enjoy, with a spare set of original specification wheels also included.
Please note – this car is available for viewing (strictly by appointment only) at our Cheshire showrooms.
