*LOT 438A LATE ENTRY* 1964 Lotus Elan GTS FIA Race Car

The Elan was launched in 1962 and had a production run that lasted over a decade, during which time 17,000 plus units were produced. The expensive production costs that blighted the Elite were eliminated in the design and the stage was set to produce a sports car that would define the sixties and early seventies.At its heart it embraced all of Chapman's core design values: simplicity, low weight and performance. It delivered in every department. Its 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 engine. Team Lotus now had Grand Prix victories to their name, having won its first World Championship in 1963. The success of the Elan helped to provide a sound financial footing for the company and naturally it became an integral part of the Lotus 'motorsport dynasty' with competition success at every level throughout the world for the next half-century.

Chassis # 26/3967 offered here was allegedly a period club racer, originally supplied to Lotus dealer Dutchess Autos in 1964. Having been professionally rebuilt by John Smirthwaite Motorsport it is practically a new car using specific lightweight race components where possible.

The shell is a lightweight (41.5kg) Tony Thompson Racing body shell with racing modifications built into it such as an exhaust tunnel and differential cooling scoops. The shell has also been fitted with lightweight panels all round, a lightweight hardtop and an FIA approved roll cage with door bars. All this is mounted onto a stove enamelled 26R competition specification chassis.

Power is provided by a fresh, all steel, John Smirthwaite Lotus Twincam engine with only 2hrs of dyno running time that produces approximately 175bhp. Mated to the engine is a competition gearbox with a Quaife Gear set encased in an alloy bell housing.

Front AR calipers and rear +2S calipers with TTR 26R Spec discs provide the stopping power. These are fitted onto 26R specification hubs and suspension all round along with magnesium wheels shod with Dunlop historic tyres.

Presented with full 'Period F' FIA HTP papers and a new MOT the car is in fantastic condition having not been used since build completion. Now its ready to be put it good use out on the race track where it belongs.