1962 Lotus Elite Series 2 Super 95
- Engine
- Coventry Climax inline-four, high-compression 'Super 95' tune
- Colour
- Primrose yellow with silver roof
A Bristol Aeroplane Company-built Lotus Elite Series 2 in 'Super 95' specification, originally delivered in Primrose Yellow to World Champion Jim Clark in February 1962, registered to his company Clarksport Ltd. One of only three Elites known to have been fitted in period with the Hobbs Mechamatic gearbox, it was used regularly on public roads by Clark before passing through several British owners. A comprehensive restoration was undertaken circa 2012–2013, and the car appeared at the Goodwood Revival's Jim Clark tribute in 2013.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate £150,000 – £200,000
- 1962-02-01 → 1963Factory deliveryJim Clarkfull documentation
Delivered in place of driver fees, registered to his company Clarksport Ltd with a Berwickshire plate. Used regularly on public roads through 1962 and into 1963.
- 1963 →Private saleGeorge Simpsonpartial documentation
Purchased directly from Clark; further details of tenure not given.
- → 1970Acquisition unknownFour subsequent UK-based ownersnone documentation
A succession of four unnamed British owners held the car between Simpson and the next identified custodian.
- 1970 → 1980Acquisition unknownSimon Mearspartial documentation
Car sustained road accident damage during this period; a replacement bodyshell was sourced from Lotus and the car rebuilt.
- 1980 → 1984Private saleRoger Hartwellpartial documentation
Purchased from Mears; subsequently traded the car onward to a recognised Elite specialist.
- 1984 → 2006Private saleTony Batespartial documentation
Well-known authority on the Lotus Elite model; retained the car for roughly 22 years before selling.
- 2006 →Private saleCurrent consignorfull documentation
Commissioned a thorough restoration starting late 2012 in preparation for the 2013 Goodwood Revival Jim Clark tribute, rebuilding engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension and interior.
Competition
- 20132013 Goodwood Revival — Jim Clark TributeDid not complete — gear selection fault
The car was invited to participate in a commemorative tribute to Jim Clark; gearbox trouble meant the Mechamatic unit was subsequently swapped back for the original MG box.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2012Restoration
A thorough restoration was carried out ahead of the 2013 Goodwood Revival, including a Coventry Climax engine rebuild, inspection of the Hobbs Mechamatic gearbox by its original engineer, differential rebuild, reconditioned brakes and suspension components, a new wiring harness and wheels. Original interior and dashboard fittings were retained wherever possible.
Engine work performed by Andrew Tart; Hobbs gearbox inspected by Cecil Schumacher, who had worked on the unit originally. Following gear-selection problems at Goodwood, the MG gearbox originally fitted at the factory was reinstated; the Mechamatic unit and a spare accompany the car.
- —Repair
Following a road accident sustained during Simon Mears's ownership, a replacement bodyshell was obtained directly from Lotus and the car was rebuilt.
Damage occurred shortly after Mears acquired the car in 1970; precise date of repair not given.
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