Lotus Elite Tyres
Lotus Elite 1957–1982
Dougal's Lotus Elite
- For a Lotus Elite from 1957–1963 the 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 is recommended by Longstone Tyres.
- It is possible to fit a low profile 175/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 tyre instead, but we would not recommend this as a wider tyre can often have an adverse effect on handling.
- The Michelin 15E is the ideal innertube for these tyres.
- Our period Innertube Guides state that the 1957-1963 model was released with tube-type wheels and innertubes, but the various 1974-1982 models were all released with tubeless wheels.
- For a Lotus Elite from 1974 - 1976 the 205/60R14 Galaxy Formula X is recommended by Longstone Tyres.
- Tyres with a profile below 70% (e.g 205/60R14) should not fit innertubes.
Lotus Elite Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Lotus Elite Tyres
History of the Lotus Elite
The first Lotus Elite was built 1958-1963, also known as the Lotus Type 14. It featured an advanced fibreglass monocoque construction that was used throughout the entirety of the load-bearing structure of the car as opposed to just the exterior bodywork as was more common.
The resulting body was lighter, stronger, and safer for the driver in the case of a collision. Still, complete knowledge of the technical properties of fibreglass-reinforced plastic remained some years away, and the suspension connection points were frequently seen to tear out of the fibreglass framework. The Elite's weight reductions enabled it to attain sports car-like performance from a 75 hp 1.2 L Coventry Climax FWE all-aluminum inline-four engine while delivering 35 mpg.
The second Lotus Elite built from 1974-1982, also known as the Type 75 and Type 83 Elite, was a larger front-engined, rear-wheel-drive saloon car. It featured 4-wheel independent suspension on coil springs and was the first Lotus to use the 907 engine. The Lotus Elite was the first car to employ the aluminium-block 4-valve, DOHC, four-cylinder Type 907 engine, which displaced 1,973 cc and produced 155 horsepower. With this engine, the automobile accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and has a maximum speed of 125 mph.
Check out this video of the longstone lotus team Driver change!
Borrani Wire Wheels
Borrani wheels are available for your Lotus Elite. As agents for the iconic Ruote Borrani Milano company we are able to supply all wheels from their extensive range.
Wire wheels made by Ruote Borrani Milano are, without doubt, the best wire wheels available. Borrani wheels utilise aluminium rims, steel spokes and steel wheel centres.
If your Borrani wheels require rebuilding then please contact us at [email protected]
Click the link for Lotus Elite Borrani wheels.
Innertube Guides
1972 Pirelli Lotus Fitment Guide
