1970 Lotus Elan FHC S4 SE

This car was produced in 1970 as a series 4 SE Fixed-Head Coupe. Finished in Lotus Yellow with black interior, it comes with a certificate of authenticity from Lotus and a number of old MoT test certificates. Purchased by the vendor in 1997 from Tony Williams of Staffs Silent Gears Company, the car had already undergone a comprehensive rebuild but has been gradually rebuilt over the last 15 years. Also included in the history file are all bills and receipts for works carried out by it's current owner. A photographic record also verifies the restoration, which has been a gradual process using the owner's skills as a professional race engineer and marque experts where necessary.

These modifications and improvements included a full respray in Lotus Yellow, completely new interior, new bumpers, new Lucas Halogen headlights and a complete re-wiring of the electrical system with many upgrades from standard. Mechanically, there has been significant work carried out with a huge list of jobs completed. To name but a few, the engine block, 1600 xflow, was rebored to 83.5mm with new balanced 1600 crank producing 1712cc capacity, new Hepolite forged pistons with balanced conrods fitted, new oil pump and oil cooler, new 40 DCOE carburettors, Weber head with ported inlets, new fuel lines, Elan Sprint cams and big valves, lightened and balanced flywheel, gearbox rebuild with competition clutch and a new balanced propshaft and propshaft joints. The suspension has also been completely rebuilt with Tony Thompson shocks and springs and all brakes replaced with larger discs and calipers.

The current owner has used and enjoyed this Elan whilst gradually improving its performance and drivability, even in traffic. He reports that "the engine was built to be very tractable with lots of torque to compensate for the 3.55 diff ratio. It will accelerate to 60 MPH in approximately 5.0 seconds and has an output of 143 BHP." Complete with an MoT test certificate until June 2012, there is very little that the next owner of this beautifully prepared Elan could do to improve its already excellent condition or specification. Buyers should be aware that the number plate is not included in the sale of this lot.