Becoming the first commercial success for Lotus the Elan is etched into the company’s history after delivering the necessary financial boost to become more competitive in motor racing.
Produced between 1962 to 1975 several iterations of the original Elan made it to market. A successor arrived over a decade later, but as this drifted away from the original philosophy, including moving to front wheel drive, the original Elan’s became even more desirable and cemented their status as a classic vehicle.
The introduction of the Elan used a design well versed in sports cars, rear wheel drive, front engine, but was so accomplished in its execution it is believed to have inspired others, including Japanese manufacturer Mazda with their own iterations of a traditional sports car.
Plaudits of the Elan ranged widely with Gordon Murray remarking that when he designed the Mclaren F1 his only misgiving was that he was unable to mimic the perfect steering of the Lotus Elan into his creation.
Built in 1969, originally brown, this Elan has been repainted in the Red/White/Gold livery of classic Lotus race cars. The vehicle was purchased by the vendor as a running and driving classic in need of light restoration to the bodywork.
As other work has built it has been decided to sell this lovely example to someone that can choose for themselves whether they want to enjoy the vehicle as it stands or spend some time making the bodywork perfect.
Some classics come with a few receipts, others a heavy folder, this Lotus is certainly the latter. A sign of fastidious owners with over twenty years of tax discs, MOT’s and receipts kept in a neat folder.
Highlights from the folder include a new chassis from Norfolk Motor Company in 1984, a new hood in 2004, and over £500 spent on interior items in 2020.
It should be stressed however that there is a lot more to be witnessed flicking through the folder of history with receipts going back to 1983 for the vehicle including a new clutch in 2005 and pistons sorting in 2009.
Having so many interior items replaced last year the Elan feels fresh and welcoming as you swing your body down behind the wheel. Being a Lotus it isn’t burdened with unnecessary fittings and so the simple interior reflects a timeless classic style or black leather and wood dash. Both drivers and passenger seats display without any clear signs of wear and all the carpets, including the boot still feel like new to the touch.
The gear shifter wears a light patina that is charming to see and reminds you that this vehicle has been owned, enjoyed, and loved by previous custodians that have opted to leave the original item to contrast the rest of the interior.
Standing several feet away from the car and looking over it you can’t help but feel this little Lotus looks special compared to the traffic around it. Many passers-by stopped while we were with the car just to compliment it and it appeared to brighten a cloudy day doing little more than remaining parked with the roof down.
Step up close to the car and you start to see paintwork that would be acceptable to someone that intends to run and drive the car, but if it were to be a show car then attention would be needed as the paint job is not perfect with ‘orange peel’ effect and some wrinkles. Both doors will also need adjustment, as is a common bugbear of the Elan.
The hood looked in fantastic condition and clipped on and around the roof without issue so if the new owner wants to use this car throughout they should remain dry and content.
The vendor has advised they will give the vehicle a tune up before a new owner arrives to take the car so that they can drive it away happily, on the day we were with the vehicle it manoeuvred without any alarming noises from the brakes or suspension.
On the road the car picked up speed without trouble as to be expected with a car that has such a detailed history behind it.
The Elan was built with a primary goal of being a sweet handling sportscar to be enjoyed by its driver, it excelled all expectations and even today is a car that reminds you how important chassis tuning is to the enjoyment from behind the wheel.
As the years roll by and cars continue to get heavier it is likely that Elan owners will become even more reluctant to part with their vehicles, especially those with such an excellent history file.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1969 Lotus Elan S4 Convertible
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