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Donated Vehicle of the Month: 1974 Lotus Elite

1974 Lotus Elite

When most people think of Lotus in the 70s, the white Esprit that James Bond drove in The Spy Who Loved Me instantly comes to mind. Yet, Lotus was offering other intriguing vehicles at the time as well. This 1974 Lotus Elite was donated to OPB through the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program.

After their legendary Elan finally ended production in 1974, Lotus needed a replacement, so they introduced the Elite and sister Eclat. While the Elan featured soft curves and a small jellybean shape, the Elite/Eclat embraced a thoroughly modern “wedge” shape inspired by cutting-edge Italian super cars of the time. It was intended to bring the stodgy car maker up to date.

donated lotus to charity

The Elite was offered as a two-door station wagon which seated four people. The rear features a large slanted glass window that opens to access rear space. The whole car is rather jarring looking. The tapered front and pop-up headlights no doubt inspired the front of the sleek Esprit which was introduced just a couple years later. But the side windows and tail end look more like an AMC Gremlin than sophisticated British car. However, you have to give Lotus credit for embracing an unusual design! There are also some nice smaller details such as “Elite” spelled out on the hood and chrome-covered a-pillars.

Power came from a front-mounted 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that powered the rear wheels. This example is mated to a manual transmission. Though not a fast car by today’s standards, the fiberglass body helped keep weight at around 2,000 lbs and move the car ably once up to speed. Inside, the interior is bathed in plastic, wood and furry carpeting. The center console features hazard light switch, rear wiper, defrost, and air conditioning controls.

car donation lotus

This immaculate first-year example has been owned by at least two people but has been kept in storage for the last 15 years and features only 35k original miles. The racing green paint looks flawless, and the seats and dashboard seem unusually clean and crisp. Only 2,535 Lotus Elite were ever made until 1982, making this a very rare car in very rare condition. It may not have been James Bond’s pick, but it might suit most anyone else just fine.

Donate Your Car to NPR

Car Talk logoNational Public Radio, known as NPR, is a nonprofit media organization whose mission is “to create a more informed public”. NPR reaches 120 million listeners and readers monthly through its network of member stations, website, social media, podcasts, and events.

Car Talk’s Vehicle Donation Program allows you to fund your favorite NPR station. Car Donation Wizard will return 75-80% of the gross proceeds from the sale of your car to the NPR station of your choice.

Ready to donate your car to your favorite NPR station? Turn cars into programs by donating your vehicle online or calling us at (877) 215-0227.