1969 LOTUS ELAN S4 DHC – MANUAL – 56,963 MILES SHOWING
Presenting in Off White with Black interior trim.
Number 447 out of 471 S4 Elans built.
Original delivery was to a resident of Michigan USA via Lotus Cars Canada, we hold a copy of the original Certificate of Title showing details and a Certificate from Lotus Cars UK. They also show the original exterior colour as Red with Black interior trim.
We also hold a copy of the Australian Federal Government Vehicle Import Approval # 11460 and dated the 26th of July 2017.
Just freshly serviced so it is right up to date for the next owner.
Some background into the origins of the Lotus Elan:-
The Lotus Elan was the first Lotus road car to use a steel backbone chassis with a fibreglass body. This style of construction was to be repeated in subsequent Lotus models for nearly three decades. At approximately 680 kg, the Elan embodied Colin Chapman’s minimum weight design philosophy.
The Elan was technologically advanced with a DOHC 1,558 cc engine, four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and 4-wheel independent suspension. Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 supercar, reportedly said that his only disappointment with the McLaren F1 was that he could not give it the perfect steering of the Lotus Elan
Engine & Performance
The S4 model featured the robust Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine, which delivered impressive performance for its light weight.
Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder.
Displacement: 1,558 cc (1.6 Lt).
Horsepower: Approximately 85.7Kw/115 bhp (brake horsepower) at 6000 rpm (for the SE version).
Torque: 147 Nm at 4000 rpm.
Fuel System:
Typically came with twin 175 CD-2 Stromberg carburettors (or optional twin Weber 40 DCOE/Dell’Orto DHLA carburettors depending on spec). This example has the twin Weber 40 DCOE carburettors.
Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox.
Top Speed: Near 190kph
0-100kph : Approximately 7.1 seconds.
Chassis & Dimensions
The S4 maintained Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness” with its innovative construction.
Chassis: Rigid steel backbone frame.
Body: Lightweight fiberglass reinforced plastic one-piece moulding.
Curb Weight: Approximately 680 kg
Length: 3.69 m.
Width: 1.42 m.
Wheelbase: 2.3 m.
Mechanical Features
The vehicle was technologically advanced for its time, with a focus on superior handling and braking capabilities.
Suspension: Fully independent on all four wheels with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. The rear used a “Chapman strut” design.
Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes (9.5-inch front, 10-inch rear).
Steering: Rack and pinion.
Wheels: 13-inch peg-drive centre-lock steel wheels were standard.
Headlights: Vacuum-operated retractable headlamps.
All together, one of the nicest English sportscars to reach the market in the 60’s, very quick then and still is and just a delight to drive.
This example comes with a large folder of documentation from it’s present owner, who is a Lotus fanatic and parting with one of his cars with mixed feelings. All the paperwork supplied shows his dedication to the car and his constant attention to it’s needs. He has also supplied the following information which explains the car’s current status and condition:-
“Michigan title but all import documents correct and included.
Invoice for parts to restore engine.
Engine machined by Southcott’s
Competition pads fitted so screeching front brakes
Certificate of authenticity as a type 45 December 1969 Carnival red.
Weber 40 carbs. Compression increased to Sprint specs
Chassis was rusty. I had another Elan being built to FIA appendix K specification requiring a new Tony Thompson strengthened racing chassis. My mechanics modified the spare chassis to replicate the strengthened racing chassis. This is now in the car.
Body off restoration. My mechanics used to be John Surtees F1 mechanics. They also did Indy and CanAm. Shell was sand blasted and then had a tissue thin cloth of fiberglass put over the whole body to prevent future crazing. Car was then painted to match the colours of the Elan Sprint which I use in sprint events.
Spinner tool for hubs – over $200
Wheel bearings replaced
Overhauled rear suspension struts
Overhaul driveshaft bearings
Clutch replaced
Starter motor and alternator replaced
Even restored down to window pulleys, hinges and courtesy light switches
Oil seals
Sebring mirrors
New front and rear bumpers
New brake discs
New jack shaft, pistons, valve springs
Valves and compression increased to Sprint size
Diff restored/rebuilt
Gearbox restored/rebuilt
New tail lights
New wiring loom about $800 plus freight
New dashboard
Water pump kit which means any water pump maintenance doesn’t require engine out and head off. Plus new water pump components
Timing chain
Wider rims from a plus 2 with new sticky tyres
New tensioner sprocket.
New steering rack
New pedal box
New seat runners
Brake callipers plated and reconditioned by Power Brakes.
New discs all round.”
Eligible for Historic registration in most jurisdictions, this equates to minimal on road costs.
Available to inspect on our state of the art showroom floor in Adelaide.
We can arrange transport door to door Australia wide, or you may be tempted to just drive it home.
