Description
UTAC | Millbrook, Bedford
Viewing: Tues 24th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 25th June from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JQ
1969 Lotus Elan S4 Fixed Head Coupé
Rare 'Black Badge' model
Estimate
£19, 000 - £21, 000
Registration No: XJD 103G
Chassis No: 36/ 8510
MOT: Exempt
One of just 1, 929 Elan S4 cars made
A rare 'Black Badge' model (reputedly fitted in honour of the late Jim Clark)
The subject of much past restoration work
"The Elan remains the definitive small-bore sportscar, the standard by which all others have come to be measured" (Car & Driver magazine)
Brainchild of Lotus design and development engineer Ron Hickman, the Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show. Based around a steel backbone chassis (a. k. a. the 'Chapman Bracket') clad with lightweight fibreglass bodywork, the newcomer boasted such niceties as all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, pop-up headlights and integral bumpers. Powered by a 1600cc (initially 1500cc) 'twin-cam' four-cylinder engine mated to four-speed (later five-speed) manual transmission, the diminutive Lotus rewrote the class rulebook in terms of ride, handling and performance. Arriving during March 1968, the S4 was only in production for two or so years and is understood to have accounted for just 1, 929 sales.
First registered in West Ham on January 3rd 1969 (or so its ‘XJD 103G’ number plate would imply), chassis 36/ 8510 was bought by Mrs Jennifer Tromans of Stourbridge a decade later. Retaining the Lotus for the next twenty-eight years, she entrusted it to the likes of marque specialist Paul Matty for repairs and maintenance. Treated to a new chassis and wiring loom in 1988 and 1989 respectively, the Elan has been further enhanced since being acquired by its current registered keeper during 2007. As well as a new dynamo (2008), alloy fuel tank, facet pump (2013), fresh Rotoflex couplings (x4), sundry polyurethane suspension bushes and a replacement fuel pressure regulator (2020), the two-seater had its cylinder head and valve-gear thoroughly refurbished (2021). Much of the work was carried out by Clydesdale Classic Cars with associated bills totalling some £11, 276. 95. The last major invoice on file was issued by MR Vehicle Repairs in December 2022 for overhauling the Weber carburettors (£1, 464). Presenting as an older restoration (at least cosmetically) and still proudly sporting its ‘Black Badges’, this appealing Elan is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file dating back to February 1979.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
