I had a chance to hang out with Elite "Guru" Mike O. at his shop today with some GGLC members who were there to learn about fiberglassing from Mike. After the session & lunch Mike opened up his "fleet" of Elites and Sevens to a few of us and we went for a drive.
I had the newest car, Mike drove his grey '57 Elite, Earl was in Mike's 7A (2nd owner car, completely original w/ 948cc BMC engine) and Jay was in Mike's white '59 Elite.
45 years separated the 3 vintage Lotus from the Elise, yet they all wore the same yellow & green badge & ALL were technically advanced. It's amazing how quick and well mannered the early Lotuses were. There's no wonder why Chapman quickly gained his reputation.
Kiyoshi