Lot 174 - 1970 Lotus Elan S4/Sprint Specification
| Lot Number | 174 |
| Registration | VOW 193J |
| Chassis Number | 7006140141E |
| Engine Number | L23066 |
| Odometer reading | 90,821 miles |
| Result | Sold - £25,760 |
- Engine rebuild in 2019
- Exacting replica Sprint
- Good history file
This car can be viewed in person from 14th to 18th July 2020 at our the auction site, Windsorview Lakes, Datchet, SL3 9HY
The Lotus Elan was designed in 1962 by the legendary Colin Chapman whose brilliance at lightweight chassis design produced one of the best handling sports cars of all time; a design which is still revered as much today. The previous model, the Lotus Elite, had fibreglass monocoque bodywork which proved insufficiently rigid. Chapman introduced an effective steel backbone chassis to the Elan whilst still retaining the fibreglass bodywork. So successful was this chassis, that it still forms the basis of Lotus cars today. Only weighing in at 680kg and with a cleverly designed twin-cam 1498cc (and later 1558cc) engine built upon an existing Ford unit, it proved exceptionally nimble on the straights and in the corners showing Chapman's true understanding of suspension dynamics. In March 1968 the final Series IV was introduced. Benefits included dashboard fresh-air vents and improved interior trim and fittings. The fibreglass coachwork was lighter and incorporated flared wheel arches to accommodate the wider wheels; side repeater/indicators and larger Plus 2 rear lights were also added.
The Series IV car offered here was first registered in August 1970. At some point, (the vendor suspects in the mid 1980’s), the car was converted from SE to Sprint specification. The car has lived in Sprint specification since and looks fantastic in its Lotus Yellow and Cirrus White paint scheme. The paint, body, hood and interior are all in good condition and the car has recently benefitted from a circa £25,000 engine rebuild with around £20,000 worth of receipts shown for the work in the history file. This engine work was carried out by a Porsche Carrera Cup champion winning engineer to a very high standard normally reserved for the high demands of race engines. The vendor reports that the car runs and drives beautifully and other than to the trained eye, is indistinguishable from an original Sprint.
Supplied with a V5C registration document, original owner's manual, many receipts and MoT’s, this beautiful Elan offers Sprint performance and thrills at a fraction of the cost.
The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to Government guidelines throughout viewing and auction day.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.