1969 Lotus Elan S4 Coupé
Registration no. VNG 445H
Chassis no. 36/9412

Presented in Jaguar Dark Blue, this UK-delivered Lotus Elan S4 Coupé underwent a no-expense-spared extensive restoration during 2011/2012 and comes with a comprehensive photographic record of the restoration process. Boasting complimentary 'Black Stag' interior leather trim and a burr walnut dashboard, the car has covered approximately 6,000 miles since the engine was fully rebuilt in 2012. We are advised that compression is good across all cylinders, and the oil pressure reading is good with no issues evident. The Elan has recently been tuned by Aldon Automotive and is said to be a hugely enjoyable driving experience.

As detailed in the Lotus Certificate of Provenance, this Lotus Elan S4, chassis number '36/9412', was manufactured in September 1969. There is no engine or body number recorded on the Provenance Certificate; this is believed to be due to the car being sold as a shell - a common practice at the time which allowed owners to assembly the cars themselves and avoid paying punitive purchase tax. Consistent with the manufacturer's practice at the time, the body and engine number have been confirmed by the Lotus Archive as not being assigned to another car, and as such are believed to be original.

The S4 was first registered in October 1969 to Mr W F De Havas of West Sussex, there being invoices on file addressed to him dated as late as 1979. It was at this point that Mr C De Havas (assumed to be his son) takes ownership of the car. There is at an estimate with this date for some repair work, which describes the car as being 'duo colour' and refers to a 're-spray the front and rear bumpers to gold'.

It appears that the Elan remained with Mr C De Havas until 1983 when it was recorded as yellow and with 97,845 miles on the clock was sold to Mr G Brightwell who paid £4,500, part exchanging an MG Midget and an Mini Clubman. It appears that the Lotus covered a further 2,381 miles over the course of the next two years in Mr Brightwell's ownership before being sold to Mr A D Andrews in 1985.

Subsequently, the Elan appears to have changed hands twice more before being sold by TRR to Mr D Brill as a '1969 Lotus Elan S4 Fixed Head Coupé For Restoration'. It was while in Mr Brill's ownership that the Elan underwent the aforementioned rebuild. Prior to restoration, the car had been finished in two-tone yellow over cream with gold bumpers, similar to the colour scheme of the Lotus Elan Sprint. It was at this time that it was refinished in the present Jaguar Dark Blue. Invoices on file total a little under £50,000. Most recently the car has been owned by Dr P Nelson and kept in the Lake District, with no expense spared on its upkeep. In short: this Elan is ready to be enjoyed by the fortunate next owner.