Considered one of the finest all-around sports cars of all time, the Lotus Elan was introduced in 1962 and developed throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Of the different iterations, the S2 is regarded as the very best – a sweet spot of mechanical updates with the early aesthetics.

This Elan S2 was purchased new by Jack Cromer of Kirkland, Washington on March 7, 1966, through British Motor Car Distributors of Seattle. The Elan was finished in red with a black interior and black weather equipment and specified with knock-off wheels.

The original invoice on file documents the total price of $4,462 as well as the car’s serial, engine, and license plate numbers – notably, the license plates remain with the car today. Also present is the car’s original registration certificate and dealer literature, including the service book with BMCD’s first service entry.

Used sparingly, the car was eventually acquired by fellow Kirkland resident David Soter in October 1976. Mr. Soter and his son Greg were both avid British car enthusiasts and restorers. During their 46-year ownership of the car, the Lotus was regularly maintained and benefited from a careful, preservative restoration which included a repaint in the original red, while retaining nearly all other original fittings and finishes. Lotus experts will notice many rare original details that few cars retain today. Purchased by the consignor from Mr. Soter in 2023, the Elan remains a lovely example of the model.

The Elan S2 is a car that all enthusiasts should experience, and this is a remarkably and unusually good example. A three-owner, low-mileage car with lots of originality, this beautiful Elan S2 represents the ideal specification and is exceptionally complete with its weather equipment, tools, literature, and documentation. Showing a high degree of preservation and subtle patina, it is a wonderful, authentic example to enjoy as intended.