1970 Lotus Elan S4 SE

Handles like nothing else can...the Lotus Elan.Colin Chapman said... "In producing the latest Lotus Drop-head and Fixed-head Coupe models, my design team set out to combine the outstandingly successful chassis, suspension and handling of the Elan with finely styled bodywork which would add functional good looks to the traditional Lotus handling and safety. We specified the comfort and silence of a luxury saloon (...) Finally, I demanded even higher standards of safety, quality and reliability than those which have made the Elan famous (...) All these objectives have been achieved in the new Lotus Elan S4 and I am proud to offer it for your consideration'.

"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 Lotus Elan features a very strong steel backbone chassis on which is mounted, like a saddle, a GRP body. It has 4-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension all round. Power is delivered from the famous Lotus 1558cc Twin Cam engine through a Ford 4-speed gearbox to the rear wheels. This results in a compliant ride and very nimble handling characteristics. The Elan has enjoyed significant success in motor sport since the days it was launched and is evident in large numbers in historic racing. Production volume of the Elan S4 was about 3000 cars in total, with a small percentage being the SE version. The "Special Equipment' version differs by having servo assisted brakes, an SE engine developing 118 bhp instead of 105 bhp, safety belts, a leather covered steering wheel, knock-on wheels with chrome embellishers, carpeted boot interior and Special Equipment badges.

Sold new in the UK in March 1970, this beautiful Lotus S4 SE Drop-head Coupe conversion is 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, while unwarranted, of 78,400 is backed by 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 a low mileage since. Recently it has been given a fresh, bare shell respray and all four Rotoflex and shock absorbers were replaced during its refurbishment.

Fitted with the Original numbers matching Lotus SE engine, with H-stamped cylinder head, it has benefited from a recent overhaul by a renowned specialist with (amongst others) 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 capacity and a stainless steel exhaust. The Elan is fitted with its original, working radio and comes with promotional literature, the owner's manual and original workshop manual.

This is a lovely and very usable example of an iconic Classic, which is both an elegant and sophisticated convertible, and a thoroughbred sports car with unbeatable handling.