Roarington
Sign in
MEDIA HOUSE

1962 Lotus Elite Series II S.E.

Elite Series II S.E. image

The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.

The Lotus Elite Series II S.E. 1962 is a sleek and highly advanced sports car that was designed to be a high-performance masterpiece. The car's innovative features set it apart from other vehicles of its time and continue to impress car enthusiasts to this day.

Under the hood, the Lotus Elite boasts a 1.2-liter Coventry Climax FWE four-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 95 hp at 6000 rpm. The engine is mated to a four-speed manual transmission that is smooth and precise. The car's lightweight construction, weighing in at only 1,400 pounds, allows for lightning fast acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 9 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph.

The Lotus Elite's exterior is equally impressive, with its unmistakable fiberglass body and futuristic lines. The car's design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also improves its overall performance. The body's streamlined shape reduces air drag, while the aerodynamic side vents on the hood allow for improved engine cooling. The Elite Series II also features a new front grille design, sturdier bumpers, and improved door mechanisms.

Inside the car, the driver is greeted by a simple and functional dashboard, with easy-to-read gauges and controls. The car's light and airy interior is designed to be comfortable, with its bucket seats lined in leather and quilted door panels that improve aesthetics and comfort.

The Lotus Elite Series II S.E. 1962 is also equipped with advanced technology for its time, including four-wheel disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power, independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and a limited-slip differential that delivers optimal traction.

Thanks to its advanced engineering, the Lotus Elite Series II S.E. 1962 was a successful racing car, winning numerous titles in its day. Today, this vehicle remains a highly valued collector's item as well as a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. With its technological innovations and its unique design, the Lotus Elite Series II S.E. 1962 is a true masterpiece of automotive history.

Milestones

- Introduction of the Lotus Elite Series II S.E. in 1962, featuring a number of updates and improvements from the original Elite model. - Addition of a new, larger 1.6-liter engine to the Elite Series II S.E., providing improved performance and acceleration compared to earlier models. - Use of lightweight fiberglass bodywork and chassis design, allowing the car to be more agile and nimble on the road. - Continued use of advanced aerodynamic design principles, with a sleek and streamlined body shape that reduced drag and improved top speed. - High level of standard equipment and features for the time, including power-assisted brakes, four-speed manual transmission, and adjustable suspension settings. - Limited production run of just 1,030 Elite Series II S.E. models between 1962 and 1963, making the car a rare and sought-after collector's item today. - Success in motorsports and racing, with the Elite Series II S.E. achieving numerous victories and accolades in events around the world. - Legacy as a pioneering model in the sports car world, demonstrating the potential of lightweight construction and aerodynamic design in achieving high performance and handling characteristics.


Technical

• Manufacturer: Lotus Cars • Model: Elite Series II S.E. • Year: 1962 • Body style: Coupe • Engine type: 1.2 L Coventry Climax FWE inline-four engine • Transmission: 4-speed manual • Power output: 85 hp at 6,200 RPM • Top speed: 119 mph • 0-60 mph acceleration: 10.2 seconds • Front suspension: Independent double wishbone • Rear suspension: Independent Chapman strut • Brakes: Girling disc brakes on all four wheels • Dry weight: 1,488 lbs • Wheelbase: 84 inches • Length: 155 inches • Width: 60 inches • Height: 47 inches • Production quantity: 1,030 (total Elite Series II production)

CLASSIC CAR MATCHER