| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1974 |
| Production Years: | 1974 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
The Lotus Elite (Type 75), produced between 1974 and 1980, is a distinctive British sports coupe known for its compact size and agile performance. As the successor to the renowned Lotus Elite (Type 14), the Type 75 brought a more modern approach while retaining lightweight principles established by Lotus. The Elite (Type 75) was designed with a focus on driver engagement, affected by its compact yet functional bodywork. While detailed dimensional data is less documented compared to contemporary vehicles, the Elite’s footprint fits well within the smaller sports coupe category of the 1970s. Typically, this model weighed approximately 866 kg (1,910 lbs), emphasizing Lotus’s signature lightweight philosophy essential for dynamic handling and superior road feedback. This weight contributed significantly to its nimble driving character. In terms of size, the Elite was roughly 3.7 meters (145 inches) in length, 1.6 meters (63 inches) in width, and about 1.1 meters (43 inches) in height. These dimensions underscore a sleek and low profile coupe body style, designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide a tight, driver-focused cockpit environment. Its design incorporated fiberglass panels over a steel backbone chassis, combining lightweight construction with structural rigidity. The Elite (Type 75) was powered by a mid-mounted 1.5 to 1.6-liter inline-four engine, depending on the market variant, producing modest horsepower complemented by its low curb weight, enabling brisk acceleration and agile cornering. A hallmark of Lotus engineering, the car balanced minimalism with sportiness, making it an icon among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate classic British sports cars. Overall, the Lotus Elite (Type 75) remains a celebrated example of mid-1970s automotive design, emphasizing compact size, lightweight construction, and engaging performance typical of the Lotus brand legacy.
Discover the standout features that make the 1974 Lotus Elite a leader in its class
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The 1974-1980 Lotus Elite (Type 75) is a compact sports coupe with precise dimensions that reflect its lightweight, agile design. It measures approximately 4,180 millimeters (164.6 inches) in length, 1,675 millimeters (65.9 inches) in width, and around 1,190 millimeters (46.9 inches) in height. These dimensions contribute to its sleek, low-slung profile, optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and responsive handling. The relatively narrow width compared to modern cars enhances agility, while the low height helps lower the center of gravity, key for its sporty dynamics.
The curb weight of the Lotus Elite (Type 75) typically ranges around 920 kilograms (approximately 2,028 pounds). This lightweight construction is a hallmark of Lotus engineering philosophy, focusing on minimal weight to maximize performance, handling, and efficiency. A lighter car like the Elite can accelerate more quickly with less power, offers sharper handling due to reduced inertia, and generally provides a more engaging driving experience. The low weight combined with the car's aerodynamic dimensions makes it a nimble competitor on both road and track.
Yes, the Lotus Elite (Type 75) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Standard garages typically measure about 2,400 to 3,000 millimeters (approximately 7.9 to 9.8 feet) in width and around 5,400 to 6,000 millimeters (17.7 to 19.7 feet) in length. Given the Elite's dimensions—4,180 mm (164.6 in) long, 1,675 mm (65.9 in) wide, and 1,190 mm (46.9 in) tall—it will fit with ample space on either side for ease of access and storage. Its low height also means it can easily accommodate garage doors and ceiling height constraints.
The Lotus Elite (Type 75) being a compact two-door coupe prioritizes sporty driving experience over interior spaciousness. The passenger cabin comfortably seats two occupants with a focus on driver engagement and ergonomics. Cargo space is modest given the vehicle’s size and sporty intent, typically accommodating limited luggage or gear suitable for weekend driving or short trips. The boot / trunk offers approximately 190 liters (6.7 cubic feet) of space, enough for small suitcases or groceries, but it is not designed for heavy cargo capacity. Overall, the interior is cozy but functional for its class and purpose.
The Lotus Elite (Type 75) has a width of about 1,675 mm (65.9 inches), which is relatively narrow by modern sports coupe standards. This width, combined with a low center of gravity and lightweight construction, allows for agile cornering and precise steering feedback. While a wider track can aid stability at high speed, the Elite’s measured width strikes a balance to allow nimbleness on tighter roads and circuits without compromising stability. This dimension helps keep the car planted, reduces body roll, and contributes to its celebrated handling characteristics.
The height of the Lotus Elite (Type 75) is approximately 1,190 millimeters (46.9 inches), which is quite low compared to typical vehicles. This low profile reduces aerodynamic drag and helps lower the center of gravity, greatly enhancing cornering stability and reducing body roll. Ground clearance is fairly limited, typical of sports coupes, meaning the car sits close to the road surface to optimize handling. However, this also means caution must be taken on uneven roads or speed bumps to avoid scraping. The low height and ground clearance are integral to its sporty performance but require mindful driving over rough terrain.
The Lotus Elite (Type 75) introduced in 1974 is notably larger than its predecessor, the iconic Type 14 produced from 1957 to 1963. The Type 75 measures around 4,180 mm (164.6 in) in length, whereas the Type 14 was shorter, roughly 3,660 mm (144 in). Width and height both increased in the newer generation to improve occupant comfort and structural rigidity. These dimensional increases gave the Type 75 a more modern grand tourer feel with better space and amenities while maintaining a focus on lightweight performance. Nonetheless, the Type 75 retained the Elite's characteristic low-slung silhouette and sharp driving dynamics.
The Lotus Elite (Type 75) is relatively compact compared to many 1970s sports coupes like the Porsche 911 or Jaguar XJ-S. With its length at 4,180 mm (164.6 in) and width of 1,675 mm (65.9 in), it tends to be narrower and slightly shorter than contemporaries, emphasizing Lotus's commitment to lightness and agility over outright size or luxury. This smaller footprint allowed the Elite to excel in handling and responsiveness, especially on tighter roads, whereas larger sports coupes of that era often prioritized power and luxury over nimble dimensions.
The Lotus Elite (Type 75) is a 2-seat coupe designed primarily for driver-focused sportiness. It features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that provides balanced weight distribution and responsive handling characteristics. The dual-seat configuration emphasizes comfort and support for the driver and passenger, with limited rear seating or cargo space by design. This layout, with its compact dimensions and low ride height, underscores the Elite's focus on delivering a pure sports car experience rather than a family or utility vehicle.
The Lotus Elite (Type 75) carries a distinctive wedge-shaped coupe silhouette characteristic of 1970s sports cars, marked by sharp edges, pop-up headlights, and a low, sleek profile. Its dimensions—4,180 mm (164.6 in) length, 1,675 mm (65.9 in) width, and 1,190 mm (46.9 in) height—set it apart from other Lotus models which could be either smaller, like the Lotus Esprit, or larger grand tourers. The Elite's compact and low stance emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency and spirited driving dynamics. The design highlights include large glasshouse area, integrated spoiler features, and smooth lines that define its era while retaining Lotus's lightweight and performance-driven ethos.
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