13th Mar, 2024 13:00

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

 
  Lot 19
 

1969 Lotus Elan S4 Fixed Head Coupe
Rare 'Black Badge' model

Estimated at £20,000 - £25,000

Lot details

Registration No: XJD 103G
Chassis No: 36/8510
MOT: Exempt

  • 1 of just 1,929 Elan S4 cars made
  • A rare 'Black Badge' model (reputedly fitted in honour of the late Jim Clark)
  • The subject of much past restoration work

"The Elan remains the definitive small-bore sportscar, the standard by which all others have come to be measured" (Car & Driver magazine)

Brainchild of Lotus design and development engineer Ron Hickman, the Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show. Based around a steel backbone chassis (a.k.a. the 'Chapman Bracket') clad with lightweight fibreglass bodywork, the newcomer boasted such niceties as all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, pop-up headlights and integral bumpers. Powered by a 1600cc (initially 1500cc) 'twin-cam' four-cylinder engine mated to four-speed (later five-speed) manual transmission, the diminutive Lotus rewrote the class rulebook in terms of ride, handling and performance. Arriving during March 1968, the S4 was only in production for two or so years and is understood to have accounted for just 1,929 sales.

First registered in West Ham on January 3rd 1969 (or so its ‘XJD 103G’ number plate would imply), chassis 36/8510 was bought by Mrs Jennifer Tromans of Stourbridge a decade later. Retaining the Lotus for the next twenty-eight years, she entrusted it to the likes of marque specialist Paul Matty for repairs and maintenance. Treated to a new chassis and wiring loom in 1988 and 1989 respectively, the Elan has been further enhanced since being acquired by its current registered keeper during 2007. As well as a new dynamo (2008), alloy fuel tank, facet pump (2013), fresh Rotoflex couplings (x4), sundry polyurethane suspension bushes and a replacement fuel pressure regulator (2020), the two-seater had its cylinder head and valve-gear thoroughly refurbished (2021). Much of the work was carried out by Clydesdale Classic Cars with associated bills totalling some £11,276.95. The last major invoice on file was issued by MR Vehicle Repairs in December 2022 for overhauling the Weber carburettors (£1,464). Presenting as an older restoration (at least cosmetically) and still proudly sporting its ‘Black Badges’, this appealing Elan is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file dating back to February 1979.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737

 

Auction: Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 13th Mar, 2024

An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held at the iconic and visually stunning Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Venue Details 

To enquire about entering your classic or performance car into the auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click here: Enter Your Classic Motorcar 

All our professional valuations are complimentary and without obligation.

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Viewing

Tues 12th March from 12pm
Wed 13th March from 9am

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All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

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