PLEASE NOTE : This lot was first owned by the vendors business so shows one former keeper on the V5C Announced in May 1974, the Type 75 Elite was part of a determined push upmarket by Lotus.

The world’s most expensive four-cylinder car during its eight-year production run ( 1974-1982 ), the 2+2-seater was also notable for being among the last Lotus road cars to receive significant design input from marque founder, Colin Chapman.

Penned by Oliver Winterbottom, the Elite’s sleek fibreglass bodywork (0.30cd) sat atop a steel backbone chassis equipped with all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering.

Powered by a 1973cc DOHC engine allied to manual or automatic transmission, the Type 75 weighed little more than 1,000kg and was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds and 125mph.

Available in 501, 502, 503 and 504 trims, some 2,535 were made.

Finished in Yellow complemented to a Black leather interior, ‘4014 DH’ has been in single ownership ...