1970 Lotus Elan S4 SE DHC

Manufactured 1969 not 1970

In 1962 Lotus launched a legend, the new and ground-breaking Lotus Elan. Following on from the Elite, the new car offered improved handling and better performance. Below the bonnet sat a new 1558cc, twin-cam four-cylinder engine which would become a legend in its own right, powering other classic Lotus models including, of course, the Cortina.

""To say that driving the Elan is immense fun is almost an understatement. It is a car which keeps young men young and makes old men younger...'" "Motor"

The savvy engineering didn"t stop with the engine, the Lotus Elan also features a very strong steel backbone chassis on which is mounted, like a saddle, a GRP body plus 4-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension all round. It's not a coincidence that the Elan has enjoyed significant success in motor sport and this is still evident by the large numbers currently involved in historic racing. Production volume of the Elan S4 was about 3,000 cars in total, with a small percentage being the SE version. The "Special Equipment' has a bit more power (118bhp) and is fitted with servo assisted brakes, safety belts, a leather covered steering wheel, knock-on wheels with chrome embellishers, a carpeted boot interior, and Special Equipment badges.

The car presented here was sold new in the UK during March 1970, and is an Elan S4 SE Drop-head Coupé finished in bright red with a black leatherette interior. The car is believed to have been converted to drop-head specification at the factory upon order. A file with over 40 years of continuous and extensive history comes with this attractive little sports car. The mileage of 78,454, whilst unwarranted, is backed by some service history and MOT certificates dating back to the 1980s. The car was restored in the early 1990s on a powder coated Spider chassis and has covered very few miles since. In recent years it has been professionally repainted and the Rotoflex couplings and shock absorbers were replaced at the same time.

The original, matching numbers Lotus SE engine, with 'H'-stamped cylinder head, was fully overhauled approximately two years ago by a well-known specialist and this work included a new water pump, timing chain, valve seats and guides, bearings, and fuel pump. Known modifications to originality are a free-flow K&N air filter instead of the restricting original airbox, a modern radiator to improve cooling, and a stainless steel exhaust. The Elan is fitted with its original, working radio and comes with some period promotional literature, the owner's manual, and the original workshop manual. This is a lovely and very usable example of a lovely sixties classic, which is both a fun, sunny-day convertible and a thoroughbred sports car with unbeatable handling.