The name Lotus Elite is used for two production vehicles and one concept vehicle produced by British manufacturer Lotus Cars. The first generation Elite Type 14 was produced from 1957 to 1963 and the second generation model (Type 75 and later Type 83) from 1974 to 1982. The Elite name was also used for the concept vehicle introduced in 2010.
The Lotus Elite Type 14 is a lightweight 2-seater coupe that was unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1957. The car had an innovative fiberglass construction, in which a body of glass-reinforced plastic replaced the previously separate chassis and body components. The engine was located in the front and drove the rear axle. The Elite Type 14 was powered by an all-aluminum 1.2-liter I4 engine with 75 hp (56 kW), which was mated to a 4-speed manual transmission.
