Description
You’re looking for a mythical car that delivers real sensations and earns you sympathy? The Lotus Elan convertible is the car you need. Not widely featured in mainstream magazines and also rare to find, it will win you over with its modern character and its exceptional ease of use given its age.
A specific and exclusive vehicle reserved for passionate and discerning enthusiasts, it is particularly pleasant and easy to drive (the Type 45 was produced in only about 4000 units). The lightness and precision of its steering, its power-to-weight ratio and its braking capabilities give it perfect ease, even in today’s traffic, and allow it to sustain an excellent level of sport driving, of course “period” style.
Description:
- same owner since 2006 (20 years of passion!)
- mechanical maintenance and electrical functions brought up to reliability (invoice)
- 2016 appraisal reports and the technical inspection of 27/ 07/ 2022 available on request
- engine: 4-cylinder Ford-based aluminium head, Stromberg carburettors – displacement 1558 cm3, 9 fiscal bhp, 115 bhp for a weight of 700 kg. (recent top-end overhaul)
- electric fuel pump
- dynamo replaced with alternator
- 5-speed Lotus gearbox tuned and reliability-checked by a specialist, ideal for long journeys and engine economy (consumption 7. 0 L/ 100 at 110 km/ h). This is a modification that has benefitted the latest models. The gearing is perfect as the ratios are identical to those of the 4-speed box but 5th gear allows the engine not to be revved. The synchros were recently replaced, clutch slave cylinder and linkage assembly refreshed. Fine adjustment to be expected
- wiring harness rebuilt by an old-car electrical specialist
- recent electronic ignition 123 Ignition with adjustable power curve directly via a laptop and the option of having 2 curves with a simple switch (invoice)
- installation of an additional thermostated oil radiator at 70°C to ensure a minimum operating temperature. Very common modification on these models. Added high-flow SPAL cooling fan in addition, triggered at 90°C, to protect the cylinder head and with manual trigger for urban use (climate change oblige). Water pump recently changed.
- stainless steel exhaust line 4-2-1. Option to fit heat-insulating tapes on the exhaust for better heat evacuation from the engine bay and increased performance.
- option for constant-velocity joints to replace the flex couplings on the transmission, ensuring good reliability in use.
- 4 tyres KLEBER (Michelin) Quadraxter 2 recently fitted, perfectly suited for this rear-wheel drive.
- front adjustable coilover dampers recently fitted
- hood to be reinforced on the front face (sealing) and faux leather (Skaï) upholstery in good condition despite cigarette hole damage (from the era)
- period Philips radio functional
- US-origin equipment for wheel removal
- LHD originally, imported from the US to Europe in 1992, odometer changed to kilometres. Built in 1969
- many parts changed (recent battery, starter, alternator, vented discs, wheel trims) and a small stock of spare parts (starter solenoid, brake linings, carb diaphragms, heater valve)
- chassis not oxidised
- The colours blue/ white/ gold are not original (originally red) but I bought the car as is and never tired of it. It could benefit from a good refresh for a purist, but is left to the future owner’s discretion.
- important paper and digital documentation.
This vehicle is under rigorous mechanical follow-up in close collaboration with a specialist in classic performance cars. Many additional photos available on request. I am, of course, at your disposal by phone for any further information that would help you decide. Come and see it!
No viewings in a car park, service area, or halfway or other scams. The only accepted payment methods will be either a bank transfer or a bank cheque whose authenticity will be verifiable on the day of sale (and not by SMS!), no reservations.
An exchange could be considered (with a cash difference payable by you or me depending on the model and condition offered) only for the following models: Porsche Targa SC 3. 0L, 3. 2L or 964.
