The elite was launched at the 1957 London Motor Show, It was a sensation as it was one of the most stylish cars of its time.
It was also individual in using glass fibre in its construction, instead of having glass fibre panels mounted on a tubular chassis.
The thickness of the elite's body varied to suit the loads it had to bear, and this resulted in a very light car, weight reduction being one of Colin Chapman's passions.
The engine offered was a 1216cc Coventry Climax Overhead Camshaft unit, driven via a 4-speed gearbox.
The interior trim was basic and sound insulation was minimal, but this was forgiven thanks to great handling and exceptional performance.
The introduction of the elite resulted in a move to larger premises at Chestnut, Hertfordshire in late 1959.
Sadly the elite was unreliable and costly to build and the company lost money on all they made.
1961 saw the elite available in kit form to try to increase sales, and minor changes were also made to the car.
A few elites were built for racing and by late 1963 production ended.
All round independent suspension was fitted.
