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Lotus Elan 1600 cc 4-cylinder 1967

General description : 1967 Lotus Elan Series 2 Coupe
s/n 365887
Red with Black Interior

The Lotus Elan arrived at the British International Motor Show at Earls Court in October, 1962. The competition that year would prove to be stiff. The year prior, Jaguar had launched the E-Type, AC had begun to offer the Cobra, and Ferrari was offering their GTO. These big, powerful, and expensive machines were a bit of a contrast against the Elan. The new Elan, much like previous Lotus cars was lightweight and cleverly constructed, but the revolutionary monocoque construction methods and prudent manufacturing, signaled that Lotus could compete in volume manufacturing. The Elan arrived with several innovative features including a backbone tube chassis, a lightweight molded fiberglass body, four-wheel independent suspension, and the new 100+hp Lotus Twin Cam engine. All this provided eager enthusiasts with a delightful package capable of delivering enjoyable driving at a nominal cost.
Sales were brisk and welcomed with the Elan becoming Lotus’s largest commercial success through the production run, literally reviving Lotus from dire financial duress. Initially developed as a roadster, the Elan was offered with a hardtop in 1963, while the coupe arrived later in 1965.

This particular Elan Series II Fixed Head Coupe (chassis 365997), must be counted as one of the finest examples in existence. A 24,000 mile car, it has covered approximately 1,000 miles since being comprehensively restored in 2008. At that time, Lotus specialists Randall Fehr Restorations, Seattle, WA performed an extensive and detailed professional restoration over the course of a year. Copious documentation (including itemized parts and detailed labor descriptions) was carefully recorded during the restoration outlining the methods and construction, bonding, and critical fabrication processes that were used to properly restore and improve factory construction without compromising originality. Restoration costs documented by records on file total over $34,000.00 not including several other costs refining the car over time. During the restoration, all components were removed from the car and the engine was sent out for rebuilding with experts at Loynings Engine Service.

To ensure the best finish, all glass, window frames, door handles, lighting etc was removed from the body and the paint was stripped down to factory primer/gel coat. During this time, bond-stiffening ribs were molded into the underside of the nose and various hard-mount areas were fortified with glass mat. The chassis was carefully inspected, cleaned and acid etched before applying a fresh coat of durable POR-15 paint. Door, hood, and trunk hinges were cleaned and painted and installed using correct hardware and grommets to the joining areas of the fiberglass. Here too, the bonding and fiberglass repair work has been carefully done to preserve the car and fortify the original construction.

During reassembly, all suspension, brakes, and supporting chassis components were inspected, and prepared for installation, again to a high level of finish. All glass and trim was reinstalled with new gaskets and fasteners. While the car was very original and complete at the start of the restoration, various NOS components were chosen to replace items including the starter motor and clutch slave. Improvements to original materials and components were also made along the way including the installation of a stainless steel exhaust system and a braided stainless fuel loom, to name a few. The completed car was finished in Lotus Red with black vinyl interior. The painting process included correctly finishing the bumpers and properly fading the red body color into the wheel wells but feathering the floor pans, just as the factory did in original assembly. The original interior was in beautiful condition and was not restored. After the restorative work was performed, the car was shown at the Quail Motorsports Gathering, a testament to the quality of the restoration.

Today the car presents in stunning condition with excellent paint over a smooth body which presents beautifully in every respect. Currently showing 24,210 miles, the car has been lightly used over the past ten years, as evidenced by the excellent condition throughout. The lighting, glass, emblems, and trim are all in as new condition, showing not only excellent fit, but care in detailing. The silver painted steel wheels are correctly finished with chrome knock offs, properly shod with Michelin XASFF 155HR13 tubes and tires. The interior is in beautiful unrestored condition. While not perfect, it is extremely nice: the wood is glossy but displays some hairline cracks in the varnish and there is a hairline crack in the center console trim. The interior is otherwise exceptionally preserved and shockingly nice for never having been restored. The trunk is nicely lined with high quality black carpeting and like all the inner and underside painted surfaces, displays quality workmanship throughout.

Under the hood, the Lotus twin cam engine displays the correct metallic blue twin cam valve cover, proper hardware, and correct components just as it left the factory. Attention to detail continues throughout the engine compartment, down to the suspension, the tidiness of the electrical wiring, the proper fittings, and correct air filter sticker. A pair of correct Weber carburetors finishes off the engine with a light golden hue to the castings, hinting only at mild use since the restoration was completed. The underside of the car still remains very nicely restored and detailed with excellent finishes and just minor evidence of use.

The car starts easily from and idles smoothly from the outset. The carburetion is even and fuss-free and the engine displays excellent throttle response. Unlike other coupe designs, the interior feels comfortable and quite roomy and all systems are easily within reach. Clutch and shifter engage readily as a touch of the throttle sets you on your way. The shifter has a short, precise throw that feels modern and makes changing gear a real pleasure. The pedals are well-placed for heel-toe downshifts. The car tracks nicely, exhibiting composure and confidence once underway. There is an urgency to the way the car changes direction that reflects the car’s light weight, but at speed, it has a stability that is reassuring and ensures that it is easy to cruise without fatiguing the driver. Brakes and steering are in keeping with the spirit of the era, if not a bit better than one might expect – largely attributed to the lightweight but rigid monocoque design. Overall, the driving experience of the car reflects not just the quality of this particular example, but also the enduring appeal of the Lotus formula. It is a competent, enjoyable sports car that encourages the driver to go for a drive just for the fun of it.

Detailed receipts accompany the car along with itemized details performed on the car during the restoration as well as general service and repair records for more recent work performed to maintain the car. Included are two sets of keys, owner’s manual, and the unique California black and yellow license plates “ELANCPE”.

Included with the sale are records, the jack, and an owner’s handbook. This classic Lotus offers much to the modern enthusiast. The history, driving experience, and stunning restoration all contribute to making this wonderfully prepared Elan S2 a fulfilling experience for anyone seeking exciting and captivating sports car ownership.

http://fantasyjunction.com/cars/2073-Lotus-Elan%20Coupe-1600%20cc%204-cylinder

1967 Lotus Elan 1600 cc 4-cylinder is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Emeryville by Fantasy Junction for $48500.

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