"This car can be viewed in person from 14th to 18th July 2020 at our the auction site, Windsorview Lakes, Datchet, SL3 9HY
The original Elan 1500 was introduced in 1962 as a roadster and made its first appearance at the Earls Court Motor Show, London. After a very short production run of just 22 cars the engine was enlarged and the car was renamed as the Elan 1600. An optional hardtop was offered in 1963 and a coupé version in 1965. The two-seat Lotus Elan replaced the elegant, but unreliable and expensive to produce Lotus Elite.The Elan was technologically advanced with a DOHC 1557cc engine, 4-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and 4-wheel independent suspension. Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 supercar, reportedly said that his only disappointment with the McLaren F1 was that he couldn’t give it the perfect steering of the Lotus Elan.This example finished in its original colour combination of Carnival Red with Cirrus White is offered in very good order throughout. The Elan has benefitted from various work in recent years totalling over £10,000 including an extensive refinish to the paintwork and a renovated interior. A new dashboard and steering wheel were fitted and a dyno test and set up was undertaken by marque specialists. The Elan is offered with an extensive history file including a Lotus Cars Certificate of Provenance, various sundry invoices and the UK V5C registration document. It is reported to run and drive very well and the paintwork, engine bay and interior present nicely. Established as one of the finest British sports cars of all time, this is a unique opportunity to own a stunning example, which we expect will appreciate over time.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."