Lot details

Year: 1967
Make: Lotus
Model: Elan S3 SE
Registration: HFX 189E
Chassis No: 456552
Engine No: LP7426LBA
Mileage: 15,995
•: Fast road build using Lotus/BRM concepts
•: New hood and tonneau cover

Introduced in 1962, the Elan featured a simple but effective steel backbone frame and all-independent wishbone suspension which used a modified Chapman Strut, as developed in Lotus Grand Prix cars, at the rear. Rack and pinion steering was sourced from the Triumph Vitesse and there were Girling disc brakes all round. The Elan's engine was a highly modified 1498cc (later 1558cc) Ford Cortina unit incorporating Lotus's own twin camshaft cylinder head and both the gearbox and differential came, likewise, from Ford. Introduced in November 1964, the S3 featured numerous detail styling changes and improved brakes. As one would expect given its background and specification, the Elan proved to be a highly capable circuit racer and, capitalising on the numerous successes achieved by privately entered cars, Lotus introduced their own version, the '26R', in 1964.

This stunning example of the S3 presented in metallic Mitsubishi Mariana Blue with VW Zermatt silver bumpers and wheels has been fully rebuilt for fast road use over a 20-year period with tremendous care and attention to detail, using high-quality parts and has covered a mere 2,500 miles since completion. Designed to be either a fast road car or a track day car but comfortably capable of both, the car was built was using Lotus/BRM concepts and as a homage to the BRM Elans of the 60's. The original Lotus engine has been rebuilt with QED Fuel Injection and QED 450 cams and an OMEX ECU along with all other items including the desirable block completely refurbished. The dual carburettors were removed and a fuel injection system with the ECU were installed which provides an easier start and warm-up, as well as a very smooth power band through spirited acceleration. On a rolling road set it was tuned for maximum driveability for the road (as opposed to max power) and reported at 157 bhp.

The suspension is all new Tony Thompson Racing suspension, fast road specification and fully adjustable with a new Tony Thompson Racing differential and a new custom Soolec radiator fitted in the nose. A new stainless exhaust and a beautiful Paul Matty manifold has also been fitted. The brakes are new front AP disc brakes with brake bias adjustment which has been added in the cabin and the gearbox has a desirable close ratio (2.5 first gear) with a lightweight alloy bell housing with solid driveshafts also from Paul Matty.

During the build new wiring looms were installed to remove any niggly wiring issues and as with any fast or track-day Lotus, the pop-up headlights have been replaced with perspex covers which are more streamlined and less problematic but also a nod to the BRM. The interior is finished to a very high standard including a new tonneau cover and new roof, an original signed Colin Chapman steering wheel and harness seat belts. The car 'ready to go' is a very fast and fun Elan in lovely condition throughout. Consigned by Mathew Priddy