This 1962 Lotus Elite is a right-hand-drive Series I that the seller purchased from the original owner in 1971. Subsequently used as a daily driver for 10 years and about 50k miles, the car reportedly retains its original 1,200cc Coventry Climax inline-four. The engine was rebuilt in 1982 by Hutton Motor Engineering and stored separately until 2000, when the seller commissioned a refresh by Treasured Motor Car Services in Baltimore, Maryland. The body was restored and repainted, and the engine was re-installed. This example has only been driven a few miles since the work was completed and will need further sorting, including completion of the interior and a mechanical shakedown. It is now offered with engine rebuild and body restoration receipts as well as a clean Maryland title. The body restoration was completed in 2002. Many new components were also installed, including the glass, side curtains, bumpers, exterior trim, the entire suspension system, and new wire wheels. The bodywork and paint look to have been completed to a high-standard, while a fifth spare wheel is located behind the seats as shown in the photo gallery below. Inside, the seats and door panels have been reupholstered to match the originals, but the cabin sound deadening and carpeting have not been installed. The rest of the interior requires trimming, and the trunk needs to be completed per the seller. All instrumentation is said to be fully functional. 53,894 miles show on the odometer, which has turned once and is correct based on the seller’s 46 years of ownership and acquisition from the original owner. The 1,200cc Coventry Climax four-cylinder is said to be original and transmits power through a 4-speed MG manual gearbox. In 1982, local shop Hutton Motor Engineering performed a full rebuild of the engine, with receipts for the work included with the sale. The seller attempted to keep everything as original as possible, and modifications are limited to a high-torque starter and solid-state regulator. The engine has only a few miles on it since the rebuild and will need a full shakedown according to the seller, who also mentions the centrifugal advance on the distributor sometimes hangs up and the charging system kicks in at 2,000 rpm instead of 1,000 rpm. Several undercarriage pictures have been provided showing the refinished body and new suspension components fitted during the 2000-2002 body refresh.
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