Description:

1960 Lotus Elite FIA Race Car
Chassis: EB2027
First Registered: 01/ 07/ 1960
Few cars capture the spirit of lightweight British racing engineering quite like the Lotus Elite—and this example does so with real credibility, both on paper and on track.

Previously with FIA papers in place, this is a properly sorted competition car with continuous and active use, campaigned successfully by John Waterson through to and including the 2025 season. It’s not a static showpiece—it’s a car that’s been understood, developed, and enjoyed exactly as intended.

Acquired from Italy in 2013 by the current family ownership, the car benefited from the care of a highly capable engineer-driver. That shows. Beyond the results, there’s a clear thread of thoughtful development and attention to detail—this is a car that’s been fettled, refined, and consistently presented to a very high standard. It arrives today as a well-honed, confidence-inspiring machine, ready to be used.

Mechanically, EB2027 sits exactly where you want a competitive Elite to be. The engine is a David Whitehurst Racing–built Coventry Climax FWB (1247cc) built in 2025

Engine
Brand new Hoole cylinder block 
New Steel crankshaft
Arrow H beam rods
Forged omega pistons
12. 3:1 compression ratio.
CNC alloy 5 bearing cam carrier
DWR Special camshaft
Stainless steel valves 
Composite head gasket
Twin Italian Weber 40 carburettors
Steel cam followers
Aluminium 105 tooth flywheel
Crosthwait & Gardner Distributor 

Gearbox
DWR Straight-cut close ratio MGA Gearbox
DWR Gear set
Stiffened gear linkage
CNC bronze synchro rings
Hydraulic concentric throw out bearing

Final Drive 
EWR Built Differential
New Crosthwait & Gardner cast diff housing
New 4. 875-1 CWP
Steel half shafts
Deactivated LSD for strength

The new engine 1245cc producing approximately 127bhp and 97 lb/ ft of torque, with a strong, usable power band and an 8000rpm redline. Limited running in 2025 since rebuild.

On track, the Elite remains one of the most engaging cars of its era—light, responsive, and beautifully balanced. In this specification, it’s not just enjoyable, it’s properly capable. This is a car that’s been developed with intent, and it shows in the way it performs.

Eligibility—and crucially, competitiveness—is where this car really stands out. With FIA HTP papers in place (need applying for), EB2027 sits squarely within Appendix K Period E GT regulations and is immediately eligible for the FIA Lurani Trophy, where a well-prepared Elite is a proven front-running proposition. The level of preparation here puts it firmly in that bracket—this is not a car that needs developing to be on the pace.

It is equally well suited to the HSCC Guards Trophy and Masters Gentlemen Drivers, offering a genuinely competitive package straight out of the box. In the right hands, it has all the ingredients to run at the sharp end from the outset.

Beyond championship racing, it’s exactly the sort of car that fits comfortably within the Goodwood Revival and Members’ Meeting landscape (subject to invitation), where performance, presentation, and authenticity all matter. A fast, well-sorted Elite with continuous history is always a compelling prospect in that company.

In short, this is a serious, front-running Lotus Elite—properly engineered, properly developed, and ready to be used exactly as intended.

Website:

https://www.tomhardman.com