LOTUS · LOTUS ELITE · Cars
LOTUS ELITE Rare
As of 2026 Q1, 558 LOTUS ELITEs remain registered in the UK — a genuinely rare sight on today's roads. Numbers are at their highest recorded level since the model first appeared in our data in 2014 Q3. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 7 (1.3%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 46% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (558 in the latest data).
Rarer than 42% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Fuel breakdown
Trend
About the ELITE
The Lotus Elite name has been used for two production vehicles and one concept vehicle developed and manufactured by British automobile manufacturer Lotus Cars. The first generation Elite Type 14 was produced from 1957 until 1963 and the second generation model (Type 75 and later Type 83) from 1974 until 1982. The Elite name was also applied to a concept vehicle unveiled in 2010.
LOTUS ELITE — questions & answers
How many LOTUS ELITE are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q1, 558 LOTUS ELITE were still registered in the UK — 304 licensed and on the road, plus 254 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the LOTUS ELITE rare?
The LOTUS ELITE is rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (558), making it rarer than 42% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Is the LOTUS ELITE increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of LOTUS ELITE on UK roads rose by 7 (1.3%).
What fuel do most LOTUS ELITE use?
Most LOTUS ELITE run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered, with the rest split across electric.
When did the LOTUS ELITE peak?
The LOTUS ELITE peaked at 558 registered in 2026 Q1, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.