£15,000

offers 0

1966 Lotus Elan S4 FHC

Highlights

  • 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.

Fitted with a replacement engine - fitted with a rare racing engine block - and reported to be in very good running order, this is an excellent example of perhaps one of the finest sports cars in motoring history.

20230612_151838_resized Doug Hatfield.jpg 3.8 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

The Condition

  • Classic Lotus red, white and gold colour scheme in good overall condition.
  • Paintwork has some small areas of light cracking visible up close
  • Original Lotus chassis which, according to the vendor, is in very good condition
  • Fitted with a front spoiler and small side skirts as shown in the photos
  • Windows and headlights in good condition
  • Mounted on black steel wheels with central hubcaps and chrome end caps
  • Interior reupholstered with a black and red theme
  • Bucket seats in good condition with 'Lotus' headrest decals
  • Matching door panels in red and black
  • Dashboard veneers are well preserved with no cracks or obvious deterioration to report
  • The dials and controls are well preserved, as are the carpets
  • Modern, classically styled radio fitted
  • Roof lining generally well preserved, with one small tear to be noted in the photos
  • No structural comments on current MOT

The Mechanics

  • Lotus twin cam 1,558cc 4 cylinder engine
  • 4-speed manual gearbox
  • Replacement engine with racing engine block
  • Exhaust replaced with original type
  • 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."
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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1966
  • Make Lotus
  • Model Elan
  • Colour Red
  • Odometer 7,928 Miles
  • Engine size 1558
Listing Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Le Grand-Pressigny
  • Location International
  • Country France

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