Description
Complete chassis-up rebuild started 2011 & just finished. Lock-down, long Covid & Rheumatoid Arthritis sort of got in the way!
New Lotus chassis - well painted, not galvanised so not “soft” and dimensionally correct. Minimal mileage since finished.
Voight 5-speed Ford 9E CR gearbox. Original gearbox will be packed in the boot.
Original Lotus-Ford engine with head modified for 1. 4” Large Valves, Lead-free spec.
8 x new valves with new bronze guides - carefully lapped, gapped and timed.
I should know what cams are fitted - but I don’t. Bags of torque low down, plenty at the top, the tick-over is smooth. Not racers.
Burton Water pump mod.
Mostly new silicone pipework.
2025 new battery.
New Lucas starter motor.
Optronic ignition.
160-170 psi compression test - all cylinders.
4-into-2-into-1 exhaust manifold.
Del Orto twin choke carbs. No choke control fitted or required. New flex mounts.
New electronic MoProd fuel pump, low pressure, with security switch.
Mick Miller CV driveshafts - rear wheels turn freely at full droop.
Correct new Kelvedon ‘limited droop’ rear dampers.
All-stainless exhaust system and silencer.
Side impact protection tubes both sides within sills.
Lap/ diagonal auto-retractable seat belts.
Good original fibreglass and good yellow paint. Door fit as all S4s.
Original Radio with replaced internals to receive FM.
Tidy interior.
Original wheels, Lotus 3-ear centre-locks, indifferent tyres - ready for tyres of your choice!
There is a hood - black mohair - never used by me, goes up fine but I can’t comment on its effectiveness.
Probably original windscreen - minor de-lamination at one lower edge.
Original timber dash, ventilated PVC seats and Chapman steering wheel.
Full documentation - Workshop manuals & bills. Spring is here!!
1969 Lous Elite S4 - New Chassis & upgraded to (and beyond) Special Equipment Spec. 5-speed. CV joints - to prevent the "wind-up" and possible catastrophic failure of modern "doughnuts".
Buttercup has been fairly continuously SORNED since 2011 when the chassis replacement was started. At sub 40, 000 miles she was a low mileage car then, still sub 40, 000 miles now. Direct check on cylinder bore wear confirms this mileage.
Test mileage only - never driven in the wet since chassis replaced.
Starts on the button - engine smooth - good oil pressure hot - pulls away well - 5th gear makes for low stress motorway cruising - stops well - totally delightful drive.
Acute Rheumatoid disease forces a reluctant sale of this sparkling car!
