1968 | Lotus Elan S4

The Lotus Elan was designed, in 1962, by the legendary Colin Chapman whose brilliance at lightweight chassis design produced one of the best handling sports cars ever; a design which is still revered as much today. The previous model, the Lotus Elite, had glassfibre monocoque bodywork which proved insufficiently rigid. Chapman introduced an effective steel backbone chassis to the Elan whilst still retaining the glassfibre bodywork. So successful was this chassis, that it still forms the basis of Lotus cars today. Only weighing in at 680kg and with a cleverly designed twin-cam 1498cc (and later 1558cc) engine built upon an existing Ford unit, it proved exceptionally nimble on the straights and in the corners showing Chapman's true understanding of suspension dynamics. In March 1968 the final Series IV was introduced. Benefits included dashboard fresh-air vents and improved interior trim and fittings. The glassfibre coachwork was lighter and incorporated flared wheel arches to accommodate the wider wheels; side repeater/indicators and larger Plus 2 rear lights were also added.

This lovely British sportscar was placed into storage in 1974 where it languished with its paintwork turning brown with time but was complete until it was sold for restoration to its previous owner in 2013. This gentleman then began a full restoration (everything was either new or refurbished) which included discarding its chassis and replacing it with a spyder chassis, removed all paint from the shell by scraping and hand sanding. New CV driveshafts, seat covers, door card covers, carpets, headlining, brakes, pipes, all rubber bushes etc. Many other parts were refurbished, like the calipers, by Classicar Automotive, both screens were professionally installed with new rubbers and chrome trim. The wheel spinners were polished and plated and a special tool for spinners was purchased. Club Lotus assisted with the DVLA to get a V5C registration document issued with its original number retained. The work was completed in 2017 and has only completed a mere 500 miles (approximately) since the completion of the works. It now looks resplendent in yellow with its contrasting black interior and comes with its original buff log book and we understand from the car's present owner that it has had a total of three owners from new. Consigned by James Good

Lot details
Year: 1968
Make: Lotus
Model: Elan S4
Registration: JGS 840F
Chassis No: 367276
Engine No: LP8660LAA
Odometer: 67,884


* Recently fully restored

* Only three owners from new