1978 Lotus Elite 503

Make:	Lotus
Model:	Other
SubModel:	Type-75
Type:	Coupe
Trim:	503
Year:	1978
Mileage:	32,053
VIN:	78/060508B
Color:	Silver
Engine:	Lotus 907 slant 4-cylinder
Cylinders:	4
Fuel:	Gasoline
Transmission:	Manual
Drive type:	RWD
Interior color:	Gray
Drive side:	Left-hand drive
Vehicle Title:	Clear
Item location:	Lititz, Pennsylvania, United States

Extras

Air Conditioning, Power Locks, Power Windows
Cassette Player, Leather Seats

Listed by

Private seller

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Description of 1978 Lotus Other 503

1978 Lotus Elite.
This Lotus was titled in Arizona around 2001, before making its way to New York, where it was in the process of being restored, and then made its way to Pennsylvania mid-project, where it sat in a barn, untouched, for 7 years. I purchased the car a few months ago and put it in climate-controlled storage with the intent of having it professionally restored by a British restoration shop.
This is the desirable 503 specification with leather, and it's a later Type-75 model, by which point Lotus had sorted out some of the various issues. The later Type-75 models had leather.
The chassis appears to be in good condition (the shock towers look good). It's hard to find an Elite with a chassis that isn't rusted through, and this one appears to be in good shape, suggesting it's been dry-stored. The gel-coat is the best I've seen on an Elite, which suggests the car has not been jacked-up incorrectly.
The car is very original with NOS/OEM replacement parts, including some from the final Lotus inventory for the Type-75. The car is mostly complete. There are some missing pieces I know of, such as rear deck-lid lettering, wiper arms, brake lines, foam bumpers, the steering wheel horn cover, spare tire cover, and turn signal lens cover. Most of those pieces I have tracked down and they're readily available and inexpensive, but one can assume that once you begin to restore it, there will be other pieces that are not accounted for. Likewise, I know little about the engine, but there are duplicate water pumps along with other duplicate pieces, which I believe are from the gentleman who started the restoration in NY. Chrome bits are complete, but with small dings. Tires are dry-rotted after 20 years but hold air.
Prospective buyers are welcome to call me or message me for additional information. PM me for contact information.
Original Service Parts manual included.
Clear Pennsylvania Title in hand, in my name (if you've looked at Loti, you're probably aware that Titles are something of a purple unicorn. Rejoice!). Some provenance in the Bill of Sale documentation history.