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£2,300

1978 Lotus Elite 501 - Potentially rewarding project for restoration / recommissioning

United Kingdom • 19 Jul 2025

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Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1978 Lotus Elite 501 is a project car that starts and runs but needs significant restoration. It has cosmetic issues, no paperwork, and requires mechanical work, reflected in its 'no reserve' sale.

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Condition 

3

The car is described as a 'potentially rewarding project for restoration / recommissioning'. It has been in dry storage for years, needs recommissioning/restoring, has no MOT history or paperwork, requires a V5c application by the new owner, and the brakes need attention. The water pump belt has been removed. It also has areas where the original paint color is showing.

/ 10

Transmission:

Manual

Chassis No:

78011162A

Odometer:

75,000 miles

Reg Number:

XSO596S

RHD/LHD:

[RHD/LHD]

This late 70s 501 Elite was originally red according to the HPi report, and is now yellow - so it makes quite a statement! It seems the Lotus was repainted in 1997, and it appears the front and rear bumpers were colour coded at the same time.

There are areas where the previous red colour is still showing.

The exterior is complemented by a fantastic period black velour interior, which appears in reasonable condition.

Being sold as a project, we have been told that the Lotus has been in dry storage for a good few years, and as such will need recommissioning / restoring.

It is fitted with a flip up sunroof and tape player - both nice ‘period’ touches.

In addition, there is no MOT history unfortunately and no paperwork, although you do have a set of keys, and it starts and runs although the water pump belt has now been removed - something to bear in mind.

The brakes will also require attention before it can be safely used on the road.

One to see first-hand so as you can gauge the le...

Points of note

£910

Lowest Price (Since 2020)

£5,881

Median Price (Since 2020)

£20,160

Highest Price (Since 2020)

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World Record

If this vehicle sells at the mid-point of its estimate it will set a new world record for the [enter model]

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Bottom 30%

The sale price places it in the bottom 30% of sold prices we've ever seen for the Lotus Elite (1974 - 1982)

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Lowest Price

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Average Price

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Rare Sale

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Previous Sales

Gallery

MOT Information

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Latest MOT Mileage

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Registration Date

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MOT History

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MOT Mileage Trend

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