1963 Lotus Elan GTS

The Elan was launched in 1962 and had a production run that would last over a decade, producing 17,000 plus units. The expensive production costs that had blighted the Elite were eliminated in the design and the stage was set to produce a sports car that defined the sixties and early seventies.

At it's heart was all of Chapman's core values, simplicity, low weight and performance; it delivered in every department. It's low weight was due to the fibreglass body and the chassis was now a 'skeleton' folded steel fabrication. All up, the total weight was only just over 720 kgs. Power was provided by the legendary 1600cc Lotus Twin Cam. With Grand Prix victories already under it's belt, Team Lotus won it's first World Championship in 1963. The Elan success helped to provide a financial footing and naturally become an integral part of the Lotus 'motorsport dynasty' with competition success at every level throughout the world for the next half-century.

The car here is an extremely early example of the 17,000+ strong Elan production line being only Chassis number 26/0039. The car is well known throughout Europe and the UK, as campaigned by Michael Schryver, Jean-Marc Merlin and Peter Shaw.

In 2007, '843 YAE' was stripped and completely rebuilt to correct 26R specification - using a new Lightweight Tony Thompson shell. Along with the shell, the car is built with correct GTS parts, which include a LSD, close ratio gearbox, larger front brakes, uprated suspension and correct 26R wheels (4 bolt rather than knock-on to comply with FIA Homologation).

Its competitiveness was proved shortly after its rebuild in 2008, when it achieved a 3rd place in the prestigious Tour Auto, driven by Jean Marc Merlin. In more recent times, with only 3 subsequent races, the engine and LSD of '843 YAE' have been subject to a full rebuild by Neil Roper - subsequently Dyno tested at 176bhp at 7,800rpm.

Chassis number 26/0039 is currently built to exacting FIA "Appendix K" requirements and comes complete with HTP and FIA papers allowing it to compete in such events as the HSCC's Guards Trophy, along with The Masters 'Gentlemen's Drivers' Series and many other high profile International races and rallies worldwide. Owned and maintained by renown Lotus expert Paul Matty, the car has exceptional provenance and has received complete attention to detail in it's recent preparation.