The various Lotus cars produced for the road are nontheless thinly-disguised race cars. As the science that went into the design of the classic '50s and '60s Lotuses has not been replaced by a significantly more advanced technology, these classic cars are still competitive in their racing classes. The Elite, with its stiff monocoque construction and great aerodynamics is comfortably at home on the race track. Additionally, the continuing availability of engine and mechanical parts, as well as the preservation of the original monocoque chassis/body molds ensures that any Elite, no matter what its condition, can still be prepared for racing - more than 40 years after its introduction to the world. Colin Chapman, before offering the Elite to customers, had the first Elites raced extensively to prove the engineering that had gone into the car. Thus, from the very beginning the Elite has been impressive on the world's race tracks. Today the eternal Elite is to be found wherever vintage races are held. Besides being competitive, the Lotus Elite's slender, curvaceous form drifting through a corner is itself a vision of beauty.


	Lotus Elites execute their Pas de Deux. Photo:Bob Harrington