The original spare and tools are in the boot, along with a bolt-on roof and full-length tonneau cover
Perfect working order
Chassis replaced in 2015
THE APPEAL
When Lotus launched the original Elan in 1962, it was to set the precedent for all of the company’s future models.
Built to Colin Chapman’s original premise of minimising weight, it was assembled from fibreglass around a steel backbone chassis, the GRP bodywork enshrouding a metal fork-shaped sub-structure to which all of the mechanical components were mounted. Triumph-derived suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and a Ford Anglia/Cortina rear axle, plus Lotus’s own (and truly wonderful) twin cam engine.
The car debuted in 1962 as the Elan 1500, but very soon afterwards was revised to use a new 1588cc powerplant, thus becoming the Elan 1600, which was built for only a year before the Elan S2 debuted.
This is an ultra-rare S1 1600 from early 1964, finished in iconic Bahama Yellow. An older restoration, it was purchased by the vendor’s husband as a trip down Memory Lane and was his from 2016, kept in a garage and only used occasionally.
It’s presented in excellent overall condition and has recently been given a full check-over by a sports car specialist following a period of inactivity. It’s a truly lovely example of an early Elan, perfect for a Lotus collector or enthusiast.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Tax and MOT exempt
Extensive pile of invoices from well-regarded Lotus specialists
Old V5s
Lots of old MOTs
Recent invoice for full service in June 2023, using correct grade classic oil
New chassis in 2015 with documentary evidence thereof
Over £2,000 spent on full mechanical and suspension overhaul in 2020 – the car has covered less than 200 miles since
THE INTERIOR
Immaculate black vinyl seats
Wooden dash
Original slide-down windows
Gorgeous wood-rimmed steering wheel
With a beautiful three-spoke wooden steering wheel and deep bucket seats, the Elan’s cabin is nothing if not sporty. But that doesn’t stop it from being quite luxurious – it has a smart wooden dash, plush carpets and a row of sporty rocker switches that give it a true sense of occasion.
The carpets are in excellent order, as are the door cards, while the black vinyl seats are in exceptional condition and look fantastic. It also features a delicate wooden Lotus-branded gear knob.
The originals spare and tools are in the boot, along with a bolt-on roof and full-length tonneau cover.
THE EXTERIOR
Genuine Bahama Yellow
Powder-coated steel sports wheels
Superb body with only minor marks
New chassis fitted in 2015
The condition of this car is really good. Aside from a few small paint chips around the notoriously fiddly bonnet closure, the finish is excellent and the fibreglass panels are all in excellent order. The painted steel sports wheels have been power-coated in the original silver and all of the chrome, trim and brightwork is correct and in good overall order.
The pop-up headlamps pop-up and retract on demand and the panels are all straight and true.
Most significantly, though, the Elan was treated to a new chassis by the previous owner in 2015, and there is a receipt in the car’s history folder for over £3,000 documenting this. It still appears in fine order and a recent inspection by a sports car specialist local to the vendor deemed it to be in superb condition.
THE MECHANICS
1,588cc original Lotus engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Freshly serviced
Over £2,000 spent in 2020 on mechanical and suspension overhaul
The twin cam 1,588cc Lotus engine is an absolute classic and bestows the Lotus with superb performance, thanks in no small part to its light weight. It handles wonderfully, too. It’s a car that is among the absolute best of its era to drive and will hold its own very happily in modern traffic.
This one has an impeccable maintenance record and runs without fault, showing good oil pressure and holding a steady temperature, and with no reported issues with the suspension, brakes or steering.
In 2020, it was mechanically overhauled, with the carbs rebalanced and new suspension bushes, along with a complete renewal of all fluids, new fuel lines and a new dynamo.
SUMMARY
This is an absolutely impeccable example of an early Elan in absolutely superb order, with no major flaws and with the reassurance of a recent new chassis, as well as being a fabulous car to drive and a surprisingly easy to own classic British sports car.
It’s divine – and a fabulous colour to boot.
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