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.
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."
BEFORE YOU BUY
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.
✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].
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1966 Lotus Elan S4 FHC
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