502M

[Trunnion 74]

Greetings everyone!  Hopefully you will have seen my recent introduction in the Intro section.   Some background (It’s a bit long, hope it isn’t to boring)

I recently rescued an S1 Elite, I have know about the car (down on a farm) for sometime, just sitting there, quietly, owner lost interest. Have to be honest an Elite is not my first choice Lotus.  What I want is an Esprit S3, have done ever since they came out.  But, every time I saw the Elite she grew on me a little more.  Two weeks ago, whilst visiting a friend, he told me that the farmer was unhappy that the owner of the car wasn’t bothered with the car and in the next hr was going to remove it, and not in a sympathetic way!  Having a soft spot for Lotus I managed to get hold of the owner and a couple of days later the car was mine.

My friend did question my sanity, but, as I pointed out, even if the car was a complete wreck the engine alone was worth more that I had paid for the car! (more on that later)  So I wouldn’t be out of pocket.

The plan was to check the car over and see which way to go, restore it or sell salvageable parts.  The car came with some paperwork dated 1994 which, gave details of the original reg no UEC 502M.  On checking with the DVLA website, it is still listed, it shows that the car was last due to be taxed in Oct 1995, it never was.  The car has been off the road for 21yrs and it is not listed as SORN, UEC 502M was MIA.  The DVLA show the date of first reg as 29 May 1974, 2L, Red.

The paperwork I have relates to a chassis change done by B.S.S Lotus specialists Lancashire in 1994, customer name Mr D.C.Judd (Joinery) Notts.

Also with the paperwork is a chassis reg card for the new galvanised chassis detailing both the original chassis no 74 02 0026A and the new number.  It wasn’t until I managed to decipher the chassis number that I realised what It was telling me.  So I now have an Elite first reg May ’74 that had a galvanised chassis fitted in Aug/Sept ’94 not seen on the road since ’95?

I have contacted Lotus Heritage asking for the build details etc. Lotus got back to me with this

 “

Quote

I can’t comment on Matt Vales data, but the first Elite cars were being sold from Lotus to dealers in May 1974 with a few in the last week of April. Unfortunately the build records have been missing for this car since before 1991 as there was a letter from M. Burrage to Mr. D. Tandy in Cheshire saying we have no records in July '91.

This is where I am hoping the car is in original condition and you can help us fill in the blanks.

Please can you send me pictures of the car inside and out and the Lotus VIN plate?”

 

Lotus now have a load of photos of the car.

 

I was told when I bought the car that it was a 2.2L and that it has/was run recently (the running was confirmed by my friend).  The presence of the red cam covers may initially suggest this to be correct, hence my comments about the engine being worth more that I paid for the car.

When I was taking photos I had a good look at the vin plate (not in the best condition).  The engine no on the plate is G74 01 5632 which on checking the engine matches. So the engine is more likely to be a 2L.  Also the number for the chassis on the plate is 74 02 0026A so that matches the details on the paperwork I have.

 

I now have a car that was built in Feb ’74 and was no 26 off the line and an engine that was built in ‘Jan ’74 and was no 5632 off the line, with a galvanised chassis and a reg no that may suggest she was a 502 model.  Lotus in their email say that the Elites started being sold to dealers from late April early May ’74.  I appear to have a very early car!

 

It is clear what now need to be done.  She has to be restored!

I have the skills (In ’99 I along with a friend, built two Lotus 7 replicas, (Locost’s) from the ground up, and I have restored other vehicles since.  My pockets?  Well, they are shallow, so I intend to do as much as I can myself.

 

P

The plan now is to strip everything off the car, photograph and catalogue.  In the spring take the body off and then concentrate on the chassis and engine.

What do I know about the car so far regarding condition?

 Well she is missing the front S1 spoiler, the air deflector (between rad and engine) Two rear window gass struts, the wash wipe stalk and various badges/stickers. Chrome trim bits missing from three corners of the rear hatch and nearside windscreen pillar  The headlight is winking, indicating she possibly has original headlight vac system.  The interior is in remarkable condition, seats are covered in vinyl.  Gear knob indicates she is a five speed but I don’t as yet know what type of box.  She has inboard rear brakes and a galvanised chassis. She has all 5 wheels and there are no signs of any exterior damage.Still has original fuel pump? None of the switches are broken. And there is a strange fitting under glove box that looks like it should hold something. Also has rear lap belts

 

What’s next

This is where you guys may be able to help me. I want to get as much history about the car as possible.  I have a request in with the DVLA for a full owner history, but if any of you are able to fill in any gaps it would be much appreciated.  The restoration isn’t going to be quick as she needs lots of TLC.

Let the fun begin!!

[Testdriver]

VERY. BRAVE. MAN. thanks for sharing! 

[Barrykearley]

Bets of luck with that - should be a challenge!!!

@CharlieCroker has a brilliant thread on here about his car - maybe some tips buried in there.

enjoy - and look forward to seeing another brought back to life

[Trunnion 74]

Hi Barry,  Thanks.  Have seen CharlieCrokers thread.  Have spent the last week going through every thread in the restoration section, just to get an idea of what I'm letting myself in for!

[Barrykearley]

Just remember - an angle grinder with a thin disc preferably battery will become your best friend. All the nuts and bolts will be rusted solid...

[oilmagnet477]

Roland mate - great rescue - S1 with a galv chassis (like mine) hopefully makes this well worth saving - especially if it has a HC 2.2 engine.

Good luck and keep info coming. Happy to help if I can but equally your info will help me as well.

Cheers

Ant

[Dunc]

Welcome Roland!

I've checked the old register and yours not a known car. Whilst there are other 1974 elite's, yours would be the earliest survivor I am aware of.

I think it looks like a great project. With a galvanised chassis and a half decent looking interior you are well on your way.

In case you are wondering, that is a steering wheel pad from an S1/S2 esprit on your car. Probably worth a few quid on ebay if you wanted to get a correct one for an early elite (readily available).

Get it going in a weekend! (joke).

In all seriousness, it looks a a very worthwhile project and all the fundamentals look to be there.

Dunc

[Trunnion 74]

Thanks Ant, I'm not sure it will be the HC 2.2 as they weren't produced when this engine was made.  It may have been upgraded at some point but i won't know till i have a good fettle with it.  Think you are a bit ahead of me with your restoration.

 

Duncan you are a legend, I was wondering why I couldn't find any pictures of Elites with the same steering pad.    Thanks for checking the register, it's amazing that she has lasted so long in what appears to be (hopefully) near original condition.

 

Roland

 

[CharlieCroker]

Very original looking car, great base for a full resto, get stuck in son, it's the way to go. All the best, Charlie :-) 

[mikeeech]

Great save. it will be good to see another restoration thread develop. Be sure to post regular updates so that you can keep my spirits up! most parts are available. The trim (particularly around the windscreen) can be tough to get so make sure you keep this safe. So what are your plans for the colour... Red or white?

[Escape]

Great project, definitely a car worth saving! Just like you, my first love is the Esprit and I enjoy my SE very much. But the Elite, and to a slightly lesser extent Eclat/Excel, grew on me, after seeing a few at shows. They're a much rarer sight than the Esprit even, and I love to own/use one someday. So I've been looking for a rolling restoration. I'm not up to a full project like yours, but I'm sure it will be extremely satisfying once you see it evolving back to it's former glory.

Hats off and best of luck!

Filip

[Trunnion 74]

13 hours ago, CharlieCroker said:

Very original looking car, great base for a full resto, get stuck in son, it's the way to go. All the best, Charlie :-) 

Thanks Charlie, You did a great job with yours, very inspiring.

[Trunnion 74]

2 hours ago, mikeeech said:

Great save. it will be good to see another restoration thread develop. Be sure to post regular updates so that you can keep my spirits up! most parts are available. The trim (particularly around the windscreen) can be tough to get so make sure you keep this safe. So what are your plans for the colour... Red or white?

Will do Mike.  The colour?  Think that decision may have been made for me.  Just recieved this from Lotus

Quote

Dear Roland,

 

Thank you.

The paint code (bottom right) appears to read LO4, which was Cirrus White.

The engine number G74015632 would indicate domestic specification Type 907 2.0 engine with A/C, without PAS.

You are lucky, next month the parts manager retires, but he remembers these cars, the A/C control knob was the same as the heater fan (which I see is missing on your car).

The parts manual A075T0325J (See attached as it looks like we no longer offer this part) also shows a radio cassette recorder with microphone so that they could do the dictating on the move.

It would appear your car would be the 502 model with 5 speed gearbox.

 

Attached is a picture of the press car interior to help you.

Looks like it might be Cirrus white.  Nice to see my suspicions confirmed that it was/is a 502 with A/C.  Problem is do I re-instate and start looking for 42 year old A/C parts or get new kit installed. Decision, decicions.  I was wondering how the A/C was switched on, another questuion answered!

[Trunnion 74]

1 hour ago, Escape said:

Great project, definitely a car worth saving! Just like you, my first love is the Esprit and I enjoy my SE very much. But the Elite, and to a slightly lesser extent Eclat/Excel, grew on me, after seeing a few at shows. They're a much rarer sight than the Esprit even, and I love to own/use one someday. So I've been looking for a rolling restoration. I'm not up to a full project like yours, but I'm sure it will be extremely satisfying once you see it evolving back to it's former glory.

Hats off and best of luck!

Filip

 

Thanks Filip, I think with these types of cars patience is the key, both in finding one and restoring it, I'm sure you will get one. 

 

One thing building my 7 "replica"  taught me was that, you are capable of more than you think!

P.S. I will get my Esprit, sometime..eventually.

[Trunnion 74]

This is the press photo for the 502 model that Lotus sent me.

 

[johnpwalsh]

3 hours ago, mikeeech said:

Great save. it will be good to see another restoration thread develop. Be sure to post regular updates so that you can keep my spirits up! most parts are available. The trim (particularly around the windscreen) can be tough to get so make sure you keep this safe. So what are your plans for the colour... Red or white?

Will do Mike.  The colour?  Think that decision may have been made for me.  Just recieved this from Lotus

Looks like it might be Cirrus white.  Nice to see my suspicions confirmed that it was/is a 502 with A/C.  Problem is do I re-instate and start looking for 42 year old A/C parts or get new kit installed. Decision, decicions.  I was wondering how the A/C was switched on, another questuion answered!

I am sure I have a compressor and brackets somewhere for the AC. I also noticed you have a rare brown leather steering wheel and the original gear knob showing the shift pattern. The radio is not the original, but sometimes you can find an age related one on flebay, I doubt you will ever find a dictaphone one. Good luck wit the restoration.

 

Like this

•  
• Quote

[Trunnion 74]

13 minutes ago, johnpwalsh said:

I am sure I have a compressor and brackets somewhere for the AC. I also noticed you have a rare brown leather steering wheel and the original gear knob showing the shift pattern. The radio is not the original, but sometimes you can find an age related one on flebay, I doubt you will ever find a dictaphone one. Good luck wit the restoration.

Hi John, that's handy to know.  Rare brown leather steering wheel???  I thought it was supposed to be black and that it had faded badly, very badly guess I won't be needing any black leather dye then.  Do you know what make/model the original radio would have been?  Thanks

[johnpwalsh]

Hi Roland there  were several variations of radio fitted, one was a Murphy and I think Radiomobile I think I have one in the garage somewhere and will check and let you know. It could easily be that your steering wheel is just faded, I previously used black shoe polish and just kept rubbing it in to bring back it's color.

[oilmagnet477]

I wonder how much 'Elite restorations' are worth to the National Economy lol!

[Trunnion 74]

BIllions!!!!  

  This is some of the paperwork that came with the car.  It details what was done to the car when the chassis was changed back in '94.  An MOT is mentioned so I assume she was used up until Oct '95.  After that, was never on the road again

 

 

 

 

Want to make a start on extracting the interior this week.  How are the rear seats held in? How are the other bits in the back held in? Can the front seats be taken off their runners for removal?

 

 

 

[mikeeech]

 that's a long list. still it should be the basis of alot of the work that needs doing. if it hasn't run since then, then most of the parts will still be fine. at least you don't have a chassis change to do! or rear brake shoes to change for that matter!

[oilmagnet477]

Brakes probably still need checking if the 22 years interim have leaked brake fluid into the drums. Don't mean to be negative but mine are covered in it!

[mikeeech]

that will be the diff oil! removing the drive shafts to change the seal is a whole new ball game!

[Testdriver]

That's a long list indeed. Someone spent a lot of money 20 years ago - 3140£ in 1994 would be 4360£ in today's money... Good luck with your project, I really like your approach :-)

[Dunc]

Regarding the aircon - given your previous experience - your probably aware of car builders solutions catalogue?

I wouldn't bother restoring an original aircon system - I would fit one of the kits. I intend to do this on my eclat S2 at some point.

if it is of interest, the original aircon pump was a Harrison V5.