JUST ADD LIGHTNESS

It has been in the same hands for close to 45 years and has an extensive local racing history. We headed to Greyton to drive a special Lotus racecar

- Wilhelm Lutjeharms

 

The principle of adding lightness - making a car as light as possible, especially a racing car - is one used by many manufacturers over the decades. However, none of them took it as seriously as Colin Chapman of Lotus fame. Until recently, Lotus sports cars were still some of the lightest on the market.

This very rare 1962 Type 14 Lotus Elite SE100 racecar is a prime example. Tipping the scales at just 504 kg, it is one of the lightest cars I've been exposed to, especially if you consider it has a closed cockpit. Richard Clarke has been the proud owner for close to 45 years. The thick folder he put in front of me documented not only the multi-year restoration and rebuild it took to get this car on the road, but more interestingly, its extensive racing pedigree.

Engine: 1 220 cm3, four-cylinder, petrol

Transmission: 4-speed ZF manual, RWD

Power: 75 kW

Maximum engine speed: 9 000 r/min

Top speed: >232 km/h (diff ratio-dependent)

Acceleration 0–100 km/h: N/A

Fuel consumption: N/A Fuel tank: 41 litres 

Weight: 504 kg

Manufactured: 1957–1963