Lotus Elite, Eclat, Excel

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MGB GT too small, P1800 too dear? Then see if this selection of classic sports carry-alls fits the bill and your budget

CHEAPEST EVER LOTUS!
£1500-£10,000
This strain of front-engined Lotus coupés were designed to take Colin Chapman into the Porsche market, but didn’t. Lack of reliability, below par build quality and poor refinement levels for the prices asked meant they were – and remain – classic also rans. That said, a good one (and they are around) is a joy to drive boasting typical Lotus handling and perform well in a rough and racy manner; small wonder that a good number have had the evergreen Rover V8 slotted in which transforms the car into a smooth GT. Originality suffers but as the vast majority are worth buttons anyway does it matter? But one fine day this may all change…