Ex-Ronnie Peterson 1974 Lotus Elite 502 type 75 at auction

A Lotus Elite once gifted to ex-Formula 1 racing driver Ronnie Peterson is set to be auctioned by Historics at its Ascot Racecourse sale on March 12, offered with no reserve.

The 1974 example is the 207th Elite to have been built and is resplendent in Lotus Yellow with a custom Oatmeal interior. The paintwork retains a deep shine, and the interior is largely in good order, although there are some age-related blemishes to show.

In its current ownership for around 15 years, the Elite has been stored for some time but has been regularly started and lightly exercised. It’s offered with many bills and receipts and has a fantastic, documented history file that also contains photos of Ronnie Peterson and the car at the Lotus factory, including the handover by Colin Chapman.

It’s the third Lotus to be consigned by Historics that Chapman gave to one of his Formula 1 drivers. Both the others sold in 2016 – an earlier Elan Plus 2S that was also given to Peterson, and another Plus 2S given to Graham Hill. The former sold for a remarkable £72,800 against a £28,000- £35,000 estimate, while the latter was much more of a project yet still made an impressive £23,520.

For details of the Elite and the rest of the catalogue as it builds, head to historics.co.uk

The ex-Peterson Elite is offered at no reserve.

The car being handed over to Peterson byColin Chapman in 1974