Under the same custodianship for the last 11 years
Wonderfully well cared for all round
Complete engine overhaul in 2011 from JEM Engines
Rich folder of paperwork
Charmingly original with gentle patina
The Appeal
An all-time sportscar great. There’s no argument to be had with that statement. Something non-essential, with a heavy emphasis on the pure enjoyment of driving - a car that had huge influence over the world-loved Mazda MX5. The Elan was to become Lotus’ bread and butter post-launch in 1962, and it was in fact a very mechanically sophisticated bit of kit, utilising independent suspension, brake discs all round, and a steel backbone chassis which the fibreglass body sat upon.
The Elan weighed comfortably under 700kg, sating Chapman’s obsession with light-weight cars. Not only is the Elan one of the most important Lotus’s in the automakers history, it is a staple for cars where the evasion of over-complication can actually exceed your expectations, and trample your competition.TSv7tYGiV5h3HOVXzQMnpxilhJku1CjETEL1mR5p.jpg493.01 KB
The History and Paperwork
Originally registered on the 3rd of July 1968
5 previous keepers before the current custodian
The vehicle has been in the current keepers ownership for the last 11 years
V5C present and in the current owners name ready for transfer
Garage kept when not in use
Ample paperwork to back up the cars history and maintenance
Countless invoices from the same garage, a specialist in classic vehicles
Largely original and full of charm
Thousands spent over the years to keep the car roadworthy and in lovely condition
Original leather bucket seats remaining in fabulous condition with no damage to be seen
Floor carpets have been replaced for new ones in 2011 from Coverdale, and remain in beautiful condition
Original three-spoke steering wheel in lovely shape, with Colin Chapman's signature still visible on the lower middle spoke. The central emblem is covered in cracks from age.
Original wooden veneer dash panelling all appearing to be in lovely shape, with no visible delamination, just some signs of light patina
Heater controls, dials, gauges all work as they should, and all of the text is still clear and readable
Gauge cluster fully functional with nice brightwork surrounding them, the surrounds do show some signs of age
Plastic dashboard cover is still in great shape with no cracks or damage
Wooden gear shifter in lovely shape with original Lotus emblem present
Rear seats appear almost untouched, as to be expected unless you care to ferry around some legless passengers
Door cards are both in great shape, the leather panels have no apparent damage, the passenger side does appear to be coming away from the door slightly at the edge
Roof lining all original and showing some signs of age with discolouring, however there appears to be no rips or tears throughout
Sun Visors are much the same, however do have some signs of dampness on the inside of them due to age
Original Carnival Red paintwork shows signs of age with blisters and light scratching, could use some TLC or a new coat of paint to bring it back to life
Brightwork trim all appears to be in great condition retaining high levels of shine with minimal pitting visible
Window seals have been replaced due to the old ones crumbling from drying out
Elan +2 badging still present on both front wings
All four wheels are well presented, some small age related marks on them. The centre spinners were rechromed back in 2011 and remain in good condition with some pitting present
Front lights remain completely functional and appear free from damage, the paint is much the same as the bodywork with some blistering
Fibreglass bodywork all appears to be in great shape, they are known for cracking however this example shows very few signs of this. The only visible one we can see is on the front clamshell in the corners where the front of the bonnet sits
Rear lights remain free of damage and are fully functional
Overall, a gorgeous and well maintained example retaining almost all if its originality, a charming and honest Elan
Complete engine overhaul in 2011 from JEM Engines, including reboring the block, skimmed block, new cylinder liners, new pistons, polished crankshaft totalling over £1,600
Driveshaft conversion kit fitted greatly increasing longevity and reliability and eliminates driveline ‘wind up’. This replaces the original rubber drive couplings with modern and readily available constant velocity joints.
Electronic ignition conversion
Rev counter overhauled for the electric conversion
Front and rear wheel arch closing plates replaced in 2011
Clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder both replaced in 2011
Front and rear calliper overhaul in 2011
Handbrake cable and tank sender unit replaced in 2012
Rear spring conversion kit fitted
Kenlowe electric fan
Two brand new Weber 40 DCOE carbs fitted in 2014 at an expense of £631
Excellently maintained with a ‘no regard to cost’ attitude, and being fitted with preventative mechanical parts such as the driveshaft conversion makes this Elan one that’s ready to hit the road and not let you down.
Undeniably one of the best drivers cars you’re able to get your hands on that won’t break the bank. Chapman's attitude towards lightweight vehicles meant that rather than chasing power figures to make the car faster, he would shave the pounds off the body not only making the car quicker, but also making it much more agile all-round.
This particular example is outrageously charming, the level of originality which remains, and the hints of light patina scattered throughout makes this an absolute pleasure to sit back and just stare at. This would make a fantastic weekend runner in the condition it is in now, or even a quick and easy tidy up for someone looking to fettle at the weekend. Just a little TLC would see this car as good as ever.
Notice to bidders
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