As winter comes so do the special editions that allow main dealers to hold
stock cars rather than bespoke models. Lotus, true to form have obliged with the
Elise Type 49.
The car payes homage to the Lotus Type 49 Formula 1 car which won its debut
Grand Prix in the hands of Jim Clark. This was not the only reason for its fame;
it was the car developed alongside the V8 Cosworth Ford DFV, the engine that
dominated F1 for a full decade. The Type 49 was also the first Formula 1 car to
use the engine as an integral stressed part of the chassis.
Sadly the Elise doesn't come with that engine but is a standard car with a
Type 49 lick of paint. Part of the Elise Heritage range, it shares the
distinctive red, white and gold livery of the original F1 car.
Gold six spoke wheels are also a feature along with perforated red leather
seats and steering wheel centre and black Alcantara door panels. Only 100 of
these cars will be produced for the UK market. The car is also supplied with
both Hard top and Soft top as standard.