1961 Lotus Elite Type 14

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Chassis:

# EB1703

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Registration:

# WSJ 132

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Price:

£59,500

A 1961 Lotus Elite Type 14 – Usable and Ready to Go.

A mechanically sorted, well-documented Elite Type 14 with strong usability, recent upgrades, and the original engine included. The 1460cc FWB engine has just been fully rebuilt, featuring a new high-capacity oil pump, reground crank, new piston rings, and new Westwood cylinder liners. The car is running beautifully and is ready to be driven and enjoyed.

The first production car with a fibreglass monocoque chassis, offering lightness and rigidity unmatched in its class.

Originally supplied in May 1961 by Cutlers of Streetly Ltd, with the original sales invoice and warranty card present

Retains original Coventry Climax FWE 1216cc engine (included), but now fitted with a rebuilt 1460cc FWB unit on twin SUs.

Close-ratio gearbox, upgraded suspension, brakes, and stainless exhaust—all by marque specialists Brotherwood and Fibreglass Services.

Long-term ownership by Duncan McGregor, whose respected collection included Brooklands and pre-war competition machinery.

Recent upgrades include new wire wheels with Michelin XAS FF tyres, and re-bushed suspension with adjustable dampers

Well-Documented History and Enthusiast Ownership

First registered in May 1961, chassis EB1703 was delivered to Ray Cutler of Cutlers of Streetly Ltd. With strong trade and motorsport links, it’s likely the car saw club use early on. Supporting documents include the original Lotus invoice and warranty card, anchoring the car’s provenance.

By the 1990s, EB1703 had entered the hands of collector David Bridges, who commissioned engine work and light restoration. In 2002, it was acquired by the late Duncan McGregor—well known for his eclectic and discerning collection. He took the car to Elite specialists Mike Brotherwood and Fibreglass Services, commissioning upgrades that transformed it into a true driver’s car.

Mechanical Upgrades by Respected Elite Specialists.

Under McGregor’s ownership, EB1703 was treated to a carefully considered series of mechanical upgrades. A close-ratio gearbox, improved suspension setup, and brake overhaul were all completed by trusted specialists with Elite expertise. The intention was clear: to make the car more usable and enjoyable, without losing its character.

1460cc FWB Engine Installed, Original FWE Included

In 2023, with the original 1216cc engine beginning to show its age, a 1460cc Coventry Climax FWB was sourced and installed. Built by a retired race engineer for his own Elite, it runs twin SUs and is well matched to the car’s road-focused setup. The engine has just benifited from a full rebuild undertaken whilst in our care, and is currently completing its post rebuild miles.

The original FWE engine is retained and included in the sale.

A Well-Prepared Elite, Ready to Be Enjoyed

Recent maintenance includes new adjustable front dampers, fresh springs, a fully flowed exhaust manifold, stainless silencers, and new wire wheels with Michelin XAS FF tyres. The suspension has been re-bushed, and the car drives with clarity and poise, delivering exactly the sort of experience Lotus promised in period.

WSJ 132 is not a showpiece—it’s a well-sorted car for the kind of enthusiast who values usability and mechanical quality over concours finishes. The Elite’s lightness, communication, and road manners remain key to its appeal, and this example has been refined with that in mind. With original paperwork, decades of history, and the original engine included, this is a complete package ready to be enjoyed.

Get in touch to arrange a viewing or discuss the car in more detail.