Description
Background –
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.
Chassis No. 3772 –
This road-going Lotus Elan S1 is registered BTR 604B and was restored to lightweight / fast-road specification over the past 5 years. With further development and investment, the car would make an ideal basis for a GTS HTP race car. A new 26R-specification chassis was supplied by TTR (Tony Thompson), whilst the bodywork has been painted to an extremely high standard in period Fiesta yellow, complemented by 26R specification wheel arches, ‘Chinese Eye’ headlamp covers and a contrasting silver hardtop. The engine was built by Iain Ross who previously worked at Agra engineering and is one of the best respected engine builders in Scotland. A dyno sheet showing a healthy 140bhp accompanies the build as well as the receipts for parts and labour. The impressive engine specification includes a period 120E block, steel caps, steel crank on -10, wide journal steel rods, QED pistons, Burton water pump front cover, Newman PH2 cams. A slightly later +2 gearbox was used with the stronger synchros and drives through an AP single plate clutch and polished diff casing (final drive is 3. 54 for road use). The suspension was fully rebuilt too and incorporates Koni rear shock absorbers and refurbished brakes throughout, whilst the car rides on period alloy wheels.
The interior is sparse, yet purposeful and has a roll hoop, leather bucket seats and lots of period-correct features, including gauges rebuilt by Speedograph. The car is fitted with an FIA cut-off switch and lightweight battery meaning track, sprint and hillclimb events are very much a possibility. Other nice touches include the fitment of genuine original Lotus badges, period steering wheel and horn push. The dashboard is a fitting tribute to the Lotus marque with the signatures of many Jim Clark supporters and mechanics, including Bob dance and Clive Chapman.
The car is ready to use and enjoy, having covered a mere c. 500 miles since the restoration was completed. A unique opportunity to choose the final direction of this eye-catching car, whether that be the open road, or the race track.
Documentation –
V5c Document
Invoices / receipts from Kelvedon Lotus, PJS Sports Cars, Speedograph, Newman, Burton, QED and Tony Thompson
Dyno chart from Iain Ross
Green folding logbook, c1973
Hand-written correspondence from the 1970s
MOT certificate from 1974
Two wallets of photographs showing the car at the various stages of the rebuild
Spare Parts –
Door panels
Lower door trim panels
Fabric for covering of door panels
Inner door handles
Inner and outer weather strips
Sill trims
Two containers of paint
Spare alloy wheel
Car Location: this car is located at our Knutsford showrooms in Cheshire, United Kingdom where viewings are welcome by appointment.
