1970 Lotus Elan SE

The Lotus Elan burst onto the scene in 1962 as the first road-going Lotus to use the now synonymous combination of a steel back-bone chassis coupled to a separate fibreglass body.

Colin Chapman proudly announced in the launch literature that "We wanted to build you a fun car.."; a brief he achieved with vigour thanks to the fact that his unequalled talent for vehicle set-up was never more prevalent than in the Elan's performance.

A technologically advanced DOHC development of Ford's proven "Kent' engine, bored out to 1558cc provided the propulsion, whilst cutting-edge features such as all-round disc brakes fully independent suspension and nimble rack and pinion steering gave agility and handling second-to-none.

Iconic paintwork colours were introduced such as Carnival Red, Pistachio Lime Green and as featured here, the delectable Lotus Yellow.

Throughout it's 10 year production-run, the Elan was always a darling of the motoring press. Renowned motoring wordsmith John Bolster proclaimed "Every home should have one!" Motorsport legend DSJ (Denis S. Jenkinson) had to search deep for the superlatives when he made the 1650 mile journey from Cheshunt to Sicily noting "The way the Elan would squirt out of corners and straight-line "ess' bends was most impressive, uneven and bumpy roads not worrying at all".

Thanks to the Chapman designed suspension, the way that minor undulations, changes in camber and twists and turns in any road are dealt with, left the likes of Alfa, Lancia, Jaguar and the rest of the pack scratching their heads in a bitter combination of envy and admiration.

Reporting 118 B.H.P, a 122mph top-speed and the 0-60mph dash in a shade under 7 seconds, the S4 S/E was no slouch, benefiting from a close-ratio gearbox and servo assistance on the brakes to bring everything to an efficient halt.

The delightful Series 4 with it's subtle flaring of the arches and the inclusion of a bonnet bulge, also featured new rear-light clusters and a myriad of interior trim improvements.

The Elan had a highly respected record in competition, achieving excellent results in racing with Jim Clark commenting "the ride is superb, and the handling is even better!"

Lotus enthusiast owned for the last 15 years, the car has been treated to the most comprehensive and impressive rebuild. A new replacement stressed-skin chassis was procured (as per original specification) and assembled with all-new steering and brake components.

The bodywork was stripped to bare-shell and professionally repainted in it's original Lotus Yellow.

The dashboard was renewed along with the rubber drive-shaft couplings, exhaust system, and the majority of the chromework. More recently, the engine has benefitted from a mechanical overhaul to orginal specification fitted with the correct Weber carburettors along with a new timing chain and waterpump fitted. The majority of the electrical equipment has also been replaced together with original specification wheels, tyres and spinners.

Since restoration the vehicle has covered just 736 miles as indicated by the odometer reading which was reset from 82,626 miles.

Presented in superb condition, with a current "no advisory' MOT certificate, this wonderful Lotus Elan is ready to be immediately enjoyed.