Description
A brief history of this stunning Elan is that it received a total restoration from a new Galvanised Lotus Chassis upwards.
The engine was rebuilt incorporating Sprint Cams etc.
This initial 4 year restoration was carried out by the cars 2nd owner & was completed in 2000. It was then sold to the 3rd owner in 2003.
During 2015/ 2016 the body was stripped of panels & glass for a full back to Gelcoat re paint at a cost of approximately £7, 500. The quality of this work was carried out to a high standard which is evident in the fit of the doors. Certainly the best I have seen on any Elan. The mileage since this work was completed in 2016 until now is approximately 4, 000 miles (2, 000 of these done in my ownership since 2023).
The finish of the paint is still as good now & the photos show a true picture of the cars condition.
Due to it standing unused for long periods of time though, many gaskets & oil seals etc dried out & deteriorated.
During 2023/ 24 & 25, I ( the 4th owner) have replaced items too numerous to state in this advert but include:
An Engine Strip & reassemble using better quality modern Composite Gaskets & Double Lip Oil Seals etc,
I also replaced the Water Pump as a sensible precaution.
Cooling is kept under control by a new Full Width Aluminium Radiator & Electric Fan. I also replaced all the Heater Hoses & fitted an improved Thermostat Housing & filler point to eliminate air locks.
The brakes have new front Discs & Pads, all new Stainless Braided Hoses, Handbrake Cable & new Master Cylinder.
The Clutch Master Cylinder & Slave Cylinders are also new.
I replaced the old Ignition unit with a new Aldon Ignitor unit along with new Silicone Leads, Rotor, Distributor Cap, Coil & Plugs etc.
There is also an additional 12volt Power Socket & USB Sockets fitted discreetly out of sight and a Battery Cut Out switch fitted.
It has also been upgraded and had the Dynamo replaced with an Alternator for charging.
I replaced various Suspension Bushes including all new Rear A Frames.
The rubber Doughnut couplings have been replaced with Uprated Solid Driveshafts.
All Oils, Fluids & Filters have been changed.
The boot has new boards and carpet dividing off the battery area making it a much nicer area to put any luggage.
A Fire Extinguisher is fitted under the front of the passenger seat.
The original Vinyl seats were re covered in Leather by a previous owner and are in very good condition. The Colin Chapman signed steering wheel is still present.
Slightly wider Lotus Steel Wheels are fitted which in my opinion look better & fill the arches nicely.
The car really does look stunning & is as good as the photos show it to be. Anywhere we go it always receives great compliments at classic shows or wherever it might be parked.
Although exempt by law it does have a current MOT.
A large History File accompanies the car with Photo Albums of the Detailed Restoration and the more recent Strip & Re Paint.
A few small negatives are that the gearbox has a drip of oil (although the level hasn't altered), the vinyl dash top has some fine splits in it and I think the car would probably benefit from a rolling road fine tuning set up. These are potential future jobs to carry out if desired.
The car can be viewed & examined over an inspection pit at my home ( with Tea or Coffee provided )!
I have a written Club Lotus Valuation of £37, 500 before any of my work was carried out and could easily be increased now if so required.
I now need a more practical classic with 2+2 or 4 seats & could p/ ex with cash either way for the right car or might possibly be interested in a cheaper 2 seater classic with cash my way, TVR Taimar, M Series or Vixen, TR6 or similar ? Offers ?
