Lotus Elan S4 Drop Head Coupe

Lotus launched a legend in 1962, the Lotus Elan. Following on from the previous Elite model, the new Elan offered improved handling and performance and had a less fragile feel to its overall design. It was the first Lotus road car to use the now famous steel backbone chassis with a fibreglass body. At 1,500lb all up, the Elan embodied the Colin Chapman 'less is more' design philosophy, paring weight to a minimum in a quest for the ultimate driving experience. Below the bonnet sat an engine that would become a legend in its own right, the Lotus-Ford twin-cam with a Cosworth alloy head which went on to power other classic Lotus models including the Cortina sports saloons.

As development progressed the Elan became more civilised, the final Series 4 – introduced in March 1968 – benefiting from dashboard fresh-air vents and improved interior trim and fittings. The bodyshell was slightly thinner and lighter than the S3’s and featured flared wheelarches accommodating wider wheels, side repeaters and larger rear lights. It could sprint to 60mph in 7.8 seconds and hit 122mph flat out. Light, powerful and with sensational handling, the Elan proved an immense commercial success for Lotus, slightly fewer than 9,000 being produced by the time production ceased in 1973. Even today there are few more rewarding driver’s cars around.

First registered in January 1970 this particular S4 was restored to a very high standard a few years ago by its previous owner (a well known Bentley franchised dealer) and has been little used since. The restoration included a new chassis, with all new suspension, springs, shocks, bushes etc. New brake calipers were also fitted all round with Aeroquip brake hoses and a Paul Matty alloy fuel tank. The wheels were refurbished and fitted with new Michelin tyres.

The car is finished in a beautiful metallic blue with a matching blue hood and hood cover and has been retrimmed in red leather (including the door panels) with red carpets and a new burr walnut dash. Supplied with a fresh MOT it is only reluctantly being sold due to lack of use and is crying out for an enthusiastic new owner behind the wheel.