Back in 1996 the then Group Lotus Chairman Romano Artioli wanted to know
what effect the removal of the Elise's windscreen would have from his request
an Elise chassis #16 was donated to the project.
The cars standard windscreen was removed instead a couple of ducts which collect air from the top surface of the bonnet (ahead of the scuttle, but behind the radiator air outlets) and channel it beneath a low perspex fairing, then abruptly upward to form a sort
of fresh airscreen (Lotus had used this system in their single-seater racers in the late '60s and '70s).
If you would like any further info, please contact us on info@lotuselisesprint.com.
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Despite a good reception at
the British Motor Show in Birmingham it was decide due to the fast expanding
order bank for the standard Elise and the limited production capability to
shelve the racing version. The car stood guard for many months in the foyer
of Lotus's HQ before being pensioned off to the museum.
It was by sheer luck that Ian Coles then a director of the Haydon Group was at the factory a few days prior to the infamous Coys "family silver" auction of Lotus historic cars and purchased it. One off's like this are rarely seen after motor shows let alone been registered to drive on public roads.
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SPECIFICATION
Lotus Elise Sprint (LHD)
Manufactured 1996 Registered 1998
Styled by Julian Thompson (now Advanced Design Chief at Jaguar Cars)
Metallic Titanium Silver Paint work
1.8 K-Series engine producing 158 BHP
Upgraded cams, throttle bodies, ECU (Fully programmable)
Lotus Carbon Fibre air intake box
Lotus fully adjustable uprated sports suspension
Stainless steel sports exhaust
Quick release sports steering wheel
Four point harness'
Engine immobiliser
1 owner
7800 miles
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HISTORY
Exhibited at the 1996 Birmingham Motor Show
Driven "up the hill" at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by invitation of Lord March 1998&1999
Exhibited at the Lotus 50th Anniversary Heritage Display 1998
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