1967 Lotus Elan S3 to GTS Rally Spec.

A well-known and competitive rally car in the hands of Drew Wylie, this capable Elan competed successfully in the Circuit of Ireland Rally in its more recognisable red livery with silver centre-stripe when built by Gary Dunlop Motorsport.

It was discovered by our vendor in a sorrier state than it was during its rallying heydays. As a result a comprehensive rebuild was undertaken to bring it to GTS Rally Spec incorporating many 26R additions along the way. To begin with the Elan body was removed from the chassis to be fully repainted in Orange with Green bumpers, photographs of which are available to see. The shell was then re-crafted to incorporate Elan 26R front and rear wings and 26R headlights whilst the chassis was stripped, strengthened and repainted black. The all steel twin cam engine was masterfully rebuilt by recognised specialist John Smurthwaite of J.S. Motorsport, Warwickshire at a cost in excess of £7,000 - the resulting dyno sheet readings showing that it is producing as much as 167.5bhp. The gearbox was rebuilt and straight cut to close ratio with magnesium casings and tail shaft, the differential was also rebuilt, again with magnesium casing. To complete the work a new Tony Thompson rear shafts were fitted. Suspension all round is once again courtesy of Tony Thompson and is fully adjustable with billet uprights and fully adjustable rear arms for nimble manoeuvring.

Four stud brand-new wheel hubs, bespoke for rallying and magnesium wheels have also been fitted along with a full aircraft-specification competition wiring loom. The dash is stainless steel and flocked and fitted with Stack instruments, including Stack chronometric look rev-counter, Monit rally tripmeter and a Peltor intercom. There are new heated front and rear screens, Plexiglas side windows, Tillett carbon-fibre driver's and navigator's seats, Schroth competition 6 point belts. Finally there is MSA competition paperwork & logbook from 1996 which states the car is an Elan GTS.

Over £45,000 has been spent on the rebuild of this car with invoices from trusted names in Lotus circles such as Tony Thompson, Paul Matty, J.S. Motorsport of Warwickshire and Demon Tweeks for parts. Many invoices accompany the history file.

This car has been professionally and thoroughly rebuilt to an impressive standard and utilises the very best parts available. With a competent crew it has the potential to once again dominate the rally scene as it did in the hands of Drew Wylie in the past...