The first series of Lotus Elan cars was produced by Lotus Cars between 1962 and 1975 as a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
The Lotus Elan was the first Lotus road car to use a steel backbone chassis with a fibreglass body. This style of construction was to be repeated in subsequent Lotus models for nearly three decades. At approximately 680 kg, the Elan embodied Colin Chapman's minimum weight design philosophy.
It was said to be the car with the most perfect steering. Sports Car International named the Elan number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s.
Because of its successful design and rigorous attention to cost control on the body, chassis, engine and transmission, the Elan become Lotus' first commercial success and contributed to the funding of its achievements in racing over the next ten years.
The performance of the Elan was derived from the combination of its powerful engine (by contemporary standards) and light weight. The roadholding and agility of the car also meant that high speeds could be maintained on corners, which allowed for high average speeds.
While the structure of the Elan followed an entirely traditional approach for sports cars of the time - front engine, rear wheel drive - its design included novel ideas that found their way into the designs of other manufacturers' vehicles. There are approximately 770 known remaining vehicles of the two seater Elan.
Lotus resisted modifying the car to make it more suitable for racing but eventually created a racing version of the Elan, the Type 26R. Only around 100 of them were built.
1960s/70s Elans are now passing half a century old and, as a well respected Lotus and a fine example of Colin Chapman's design philosophy, are valued today as collectors' vehicles.
The simple design of the car, with nearly all parts being readily replaceable, makes it well suited for the collector market. New chassis, bodies and drive train components are all available. There are numerous suppliers of Elan parts and restoration services, worldwide. Conveniently, the fiberglass body is immune to rust.
This Lotus Elan S4 racing special prepared by Dave Wills Engineering (with the use of Type 26R components). The car has a racing history at Silverstone, SPA and many others with a lot of podium finishes. Complete racing and service documentation since 1991 is included. Engine output after factory modifications 170 hp / 688 kg weight! The condition of the car is fully functional, plus no damage. Very precise shifting, steep steering, rear wheel drive + all equipment, meeting racing homologation. But it has also a road legal registration.
Car for sale due to selling off private collection.
Production date | 05.05.1969 |
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Body Type | Coupe |
Engine | 1.594 ccm, 170 PS, I4 |
transmission | Manual |
Steering | Right Hand Drive |
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Layout | Rear Wheel Drive |
Color - exterior | Brooklands Green |
Color - interior | Black |
Miles/Kilometers shown | 86.166 mls |
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Chassis / VIN | 368818 |
Location - Country | Czechia |
Location - City | Jablonec nad Nisou |
2-door coupe body type; RWD (rear- wheel drive), manual 4-speed gearbox; gasoline (petrol) engine with displacement: 1594 cm3, advertised power: 125 kW / 168 hp / 170 PS; characteristic dimensions: outside length: 3683 mm, width: 1422 mm, wheelbase: 2134 mm; reference weights: estimated curb weight: 688 kg; top speed: 193 km/h (120 mph) (declared by factory)
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Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Hradec Kralove, Czechia