Lot details Registration No: KUB674E Chassis No: 45/6767 Mot Expiry: Aug 2003
In the same year that the brilliant Lotus engineer Colin Chapman introduced the monocoque-constructed 25 single seater, he launched his 1962 Elan with sheet steel backbone chassis replacement for the all-GRP Elite. Whereas the Elite used a Coventry Climax engine, the Elan was fitted with an engine built by Lotus themselves, the 1588cc Twin Cam based on Ford block. As with all Lotuses before, many were raced. The same motor also appeared under Ford Lotus Cortina bonnets from 1963, the Mk2 version following from 1967 - when an additional stretched and widened 2+2 Elan appeared. After four series and a BRM souped-up/badged version of the 2-seater, available as both open top with hood drophead or closed fixed coupe, production finally ceased at Hethel in 1974.
The present owner, who acquired this open and 1967-manufactured example of the Elan S3, which had been freshly and fully restored when acquired 5 years ago, advises us that it has been well maintained by a racing team and has been very reliable. The chassis is said to be excellent, and the GRP body and paintwork very good. A recent retrim is reportedly very tidy and the hood has been renewed, whilst the comprehensive history file contains many receipted invoices and old MOTs. Great power to weight ratio, super handling and still so very good looking, an Elan takes some beating.
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