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Lotus Elan S3

Lotus Elan S3Lotus Elan S3Lotus Elan S3Lotus Elan S3Lotus Elan S3
Lotus Elan S3Lotus Elan S3Lotus Elan S3
Lot number 17
Hammer value £17,600
Description Lotus Elan S3
Registration KOM 371E
Year 1967
Colour Yellow
Engine size 1,558 cc
Chassis No. 36-6985
Engine No. LP8125LAA

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.

Equipped with all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, the Elan could sprint to 60mph in 7.8 seconds and hit 122mph flat out. Light, powerful and with sensational handling, it 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 July 1967, this particular Elan has had just three owners from new, the last of whom acquired it 27 years ago. Starting life as a Series 3 fixed-head coupe, KOM 371E was totally restored in the early 1990s when it was fitted with a new / old stock Drophead Coupe body and a new / old stock chassis. With future competition usage in mind, work also included the installation of a Type 26R rollover bar and side impact bars (the latter running through the sills) and a thorough overhaul of the original engine (including new pistons etc.) and other mechanical components.

The car has only covered some 7,000 miles since the restoration was completed and has seen road use only. In 2003 new front brake discs and calipers were fitted, while a new hood, tonneau cover and wiring loom have also recently been installed. Appearing to be in excellent condition throughout with notably well-fitting doors (often a weak point on these cars), it comes with many bills recording the works carried out to date, all old MOTs back to 1990 (at 40,137 miles, now 47,500) and is currently MOTd until July 2012. Equally suited to road or track use, it looks great value at the guide price suggested today.

 

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