Lotus introduces collector's edition Elise Type 72D
The 35th anniversary of the Lotus Type 72D's Formula 1 championship is approaching and to commemorate Emerson Fittipaldi's 16-point spanking of Sir Jackie Stewart, Lotus is creating a limited edition Elise to celebrate.The Type 72D Collectible Edition will be limited to 50 cars world wide, with only 20 said to be slated for US delivery. In addition to the prerequisite badging, the L.E. Elise will come with gold wheels and gold pinstriping, along with numbered documentation and a decorative helmet (i.e. not Snell/DOT approved).
Lotus claims that the 72D Edition Elise will come in under $60-large, but no information was available about how to order your own. Best to consult your local Lotus dealer for details.
Press release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE
ATLANTA--Lotus Cars USA, Inc. is pleased to announce the 35th Anniversary commemorative edition type 72D. This exclusive Collectible Edition model memorializes one of the finest Formula 1 designs of all time -- the Lotus 72. It was in this vehicle that the legendary Emerson Fittipaldi proved unstoppable, winning five of eleven races in 1972, thus becoming the youngest champion in F1 history.
This collectible edition will be offered in the very limited quantity of just 50 units worldwide. Each 72D will be sequentially numbered, with special certification documenting the legacy of the vehicle, individually signed by both Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, and Michael J. Kimberley, Group Lotus CEO. A decorative type 72D commemorative driving helmet and display case will be included with each vehicle.
Special vehicle equipment includes gold accents and pinstriping throughout the exterior of the vehicle, two-toned leather and Alcantara interior, gold cast wheels, type 72D rear spoiler, gold and black laurels and badging, among numerous others. Configuration also includes Lotus Touring Pack, Sport Pack, Metallic Paint, Starshield, type 72D pack, and Destination, with an MSRP under $60,000. The type 72D will be introduced later this year through authorized North American Lotus dealers.
This extraordinary vehicle will be showcased at the New York International Auto Show in the Jacob Javits Center April 6 through April 15.
About Lotus Cars USA:
Lotus Cars USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Group Lotus plc, (www.grouplotus.com) and the distributor of Lotus vehicles in both the United States and Canada. With 50 dealers in the USA and 3 dealers in Canada, Lotus offers two high-performance models: the world-renowned Elise and more aggressive Exige S.
Considered the world's best-known British performance brand, Lotus has long been a perennial racing champion, automotive innovator, and even the choice vehicle for James Bond.
The Lotus Engineering Company pioneered numerous automotive systems and components, and has been behind the design and construction of some of the most successful cars in history. As the world's premier automotive consultancy, Lotus operates engineering centers in Asia, North America and Europe.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mavkato 11:29AM (4/07/2007)
decorative helmet? was a dot/snell approved helmet too expensive to include in a car costing 60 large?
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kingvolcano 12:04PM (4/07/2007)
Put a nice gold eagle on the hood and I think you will have one bitchin car.
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Ben 12:26PM (4/07/2007)
pimp lotus with gold trim
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mr.ed 2:48PM (4/07/2007)
Lotus makes so few cars, and they're historically so unreliable that any one you find running is collectible.
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Darrin 3:01PM (4/07/2007)
This one is for Shawn!!!!!
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hashiryu 4:03PM (4/07/2007)
I want this car
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Greg 6:47PM (4/07/2007)
#4 - hehhheh... This is true. I think the new ones (from the early '90s on, really) are pretty reliable, but my 1974 Europa resembles your remark. It's a blast to drive, but it's quite fragile and it's a lot of work to keep running.
This car recalls the 1973 and 1974 John Player Special Europas, which had a similar black and gold color scheme supplied by the sponsor.
I found some pics of the Europa JPS here:
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11063/Lotus_Europa%20JPS%20Coupe/default.aspx
I can't guarantee the accuracy of the text accompanying the pics, though - I see some mistakes (e.g., the 5 speed box was Renault sourced, not Austin).
If anyone is interested in looking at my car it's here:
http://www.gregtuft.com/lotus/
(Disclaimer: I'm not selling anything and there are no ads on the page.)
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lintsniffer 2:01AM (4/08/2007)
Didn't know they could make cars with overly exotic exteriors in comparison to the performace look any uglier.
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