1978 Elite S1 Bodyshell

[Henry8601]

I have a Bodyshell from a 1978 Lotus Elite S1, and really it is just taking up too much space at the moment. It is in pretty good condition and it has its original chassis plate, although the shell does need a respray. I am thinking of putting it on eBay, but I wanted to offer it here first.

Would anybody be interested in it, and if so, how much would be a fair amount for me to ask for it?

[Loose Cannon]

I'm not sure if a completely stripped Elite shell has any value at all, there's plenty about and piled high at various locations. Certainly Mike Taylor at Lotusbits has been known to give them away, and he doesn't give much away cheaply!

This has always been the problem with Elites/Eclats, as there's no scrap value in the shell they sit around on peoples lawns for years advertising to the uninformed how "crap" Lotus are.

Anyhow, much more interesting, can you start another thread with pictures of your Elite Riviera! What colour is it?

[Henry8601]

I have actually spoken to Mike Taylor about it , and he did say that if it was closer to him he would be interested but the transport costs mean it would not be worth it for him. He said put it on here as if the is someone closer it could be of value to them - £50 was mentioned as a possible number. Which reminds me that I have not put the location!!! It is near Chippenham in Wiltshire.

I will need to give the Riviera a clean, but then I will post a new thread about it. It's white with yellow wheels and a red leather interior

[Emmerg]

Henry

that white Riviera - not NYF***Y by any chance is it ?

[Henry8601]

Nope, FRU***Y

[Emmerg]

oh - on the one hand that is slightly disappointing for me - I have bored everyone with the fact that my Dad had a white Elite Riviera with red leather interior and have been trying to track it down for a bit without success. On the other hand - a white Elite Riviera with red interior ! Wow! my favourite. PLEASE can we see some photos ? Are you going to take it to any shows etc - would love to see it

[Loose Cannon]

It may have had a plate change? If it's the original reg at least we know what all the Riviera were;

1. Copper X reg (currently derelict)

2. Red Y reg (currently in Germany)

3. Bronze X reg (roadworthy)

4. Black Y reg (roadworthy)

5. Red (scrapped in the early 90s after engine fire)

6. White Y reg (currently missing)

7. White Y reg (roadworthy as above)

Gagging for pics also!

Edited July 23, 2010 by LooseCannon

[matk]

Mark you don't have a similiar list for the Eclat Riviera's do you? I have done a brief search to try and work out how many Lotus made, but not come up with anything yet.

[Loose Cannon]

Sorry Mat, someone told me the figure once but I can't recall except it was considerably more. Reckon I've seen about 20-odd either at shows or for sale over the years, not allowing for personal registrations muddying the water of course.

I'm almost certain there were 7 Elite Rivieras which doesn't sound much, but that was 1/4 of the Elite production from 1981 when the Rivieras were launched! By contrast there were 122 Eclats made in the same period, so proportionally there should be at least 40 and maybe more as I believe it was a more popular option on the more sporting Eclat.

[Henry8601]

Only 7 Elite Rivieras!!

I didn't realise there are so few. I have started a thread in the Projects & Restorations forum about it and I must therefore also report that 'roadworthy' is not yet an accurate description - but I am working on it!

Slightly back on track - should I just put the shell on eBay and see what happens?

[Henry8601]

Now on eBay:

eBay Link

[Henry8601]

I had 7 watchers on eBay, but no interest. Any one want it for free otherwise I will just have to scrap it or cut it up into to pieces to put out for the rubbish men

[Loose Cannon]

I don't know if you have got rid of it yet, but in an old issue of Club Lotus mag the garage pictured above with all the shells piled up deals in 2nd hand parts. They are called Boss Motors based near the Snetterton circuit in Norfolk. May be worth a call? 01953887471