1980 Lotus Elite
1980 Lotus Elite – McNair Motorsport were contacted by a Lotus enthusiast from South London and were contracted to re-commission a 1980 2.2ltr Lotus Elite that had not been used for over 7 years.
With the car collected and a brief discussion with the owner about the history of the car the first thing that became apparent was the lack of clutch operation.
We removed the engine, which on this car is a fairly big job, and found the clutch drive plate to be welded to the flywheel. With the flywheel cleaned up and a new clutch assembly fitted the engine was reinstalled into the car.
With new fluids in the engine and some checks made the engine fired in to life and after a tune of the side draught carburettors and timing the car turned its wheels since being laid up.
Before the Lotus made its way to its MOT the brakes, suspension and electrics were checked over and a few small faults sorted out before the fitment of new rear wheel cylinders and brake shoes which necessitated the removal of the rear differential and carrier.
The Lotus flew through its mot and the cars owner collected the car and drove for the first time in 7 years back to London.
