Classic red, white and gold colour scheme with body kit
Well maintained with full history file
Original Lotus chassis in very good condition
Smartly reupholstered interior with well-preserved veneers
MOT valid until June 2025 without comment
Superb example of one of the finest sports cars of all time
The Appeal
When Colin Chapman decided to create a conventional two-seater sports car, he set himself an ambitious goal. In the early 60s, buyers were spoilt for choice. But the Elan was arguably the best of them all.
Imbued with the Lotus mantra "make it as light as possible", the Elan was a pleasure to drive. So much so that it inspired the car that revived the wave of small, lightweight sports cars - the MX5.
All of which adds to the appeal of this 1968 S4, if it ever needed to. Finished in the classic 'red, white and gold' colour scheme with functional spoiler and side skirts, this is a very fine example of these later cars. Its condition reflects the continued investment of its three owners since its return to Europe from the USA in 2016. This is verified by a lengthy Technical Inspection with no remarks.20230612_151838_resized Doug Hatfield.jpg3.8 MB
History and Paperwork
Lotus Heritage certificate confirms it was shipped from the factory in December 1968
Sold via Lotus dealer J A Else of Codnor, Derbyshire in the same month
Spent time in the USA, returned to the UK in 2016
Three registered owners since its return to the UK
In the hands of its current owner since May 2023
UK MOT history under registration DRS308D
Last UK MOT expired on 25 September 2023
Current MOT with no remarks valid until 12 June 2025
Seller reports no track record prior to 2015/16
Good history file available after this date showing receipts for works and parts
Labelled as an 'SE' in photos but is not an SE model
Seller advises that Webers carburettors would benefit from professional tuning
No comments on the current MOT regarding mechanical or transmission parts
No driving or operational problems reported
Seller's note: "Drives extremely well, but Webers could benefit from professional tuning. This is a Lotus Elan in very good overall condition, and retains its original chassis."
This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or placing a bid, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.
✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.
✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.
✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.
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