• A very accomplished and well set-up Series 4 Elan SE
• Modified in 1974 by Pat Thomas of Kelvedon Lotus. R26-style with wider arches etc.
• Restored in 2012, with a new full Spider chassis, suspension and steering, twin-fan alloy radiator, alloy fuel tank, Sprint front brakes
• All-steel engine producing 168bhp mated to a Lotus 5-speed gearbox. Fitted with a roll-hoop, Willans harnesses, fire extinguisher and a Brantz 2 Rally Meter
• Finished in a lovely opalescent mid-blue with black Minilites and 3-eared knock-offs
• Accompanied by a large history file
• This is a very good-looking little Elan and totally versatile, offering fast road use, regularity rallying or the occasional track-day

The Lotus Elan was first introduced in 1962 as a DHC and then as an FHC version in 1965. Over the years, the Elan evolved into the Series 4, which was introduced in 1968. The S4 model benefited from a range of subtle upgrades along with the more noticeable upgraded bodyshell that was slightly thinner and lighter than the earlier S3 and sported flared arches allowing for wider wheels.

The Elan was technologically advanced with its twin-cam 1558cc engine, 4-wheel disc brakes and all-independent suspension. It could reach 60mph in just 7.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 122mph. The cars low weight, powerful engine, and remarkable agility make the Elan a great drivers’ car and even today there are few cars more satisfying to own and enjoy.

This particular Lotus Elan is a DHC S4 model that was first registered in 1969. Throughout its life, it has benefited from consistent maintenance, which included an upgrade in 1974 by very well-respected ‘Lotus man’ Pat Thomas of Kelvedon Lotus in Lincolnshire. The car was obviously ‘moving in the right circles’ having been to Kelvedon Lotus and received R26-styling with wider arches. In more recent times, it was fully restored in 2012, with the arrival of a new full Spyder chassis, upgraded suspension and steering, a twin-fan alloy radiator, an alloy fuel tank, and Elan Sprint front brakes.

The car’s engine is a very purposeful, all-steel unit, strong and reliable giving the car a serious power to weight ratio, with the addition of a superior 5-speed Lotus gearbox. Adding to its versatility it's fitted with a roll-hoop, Willans harnesses, a fire extinguisher, and a Brantz 2 Rally Meter.The car’s paintwork and roof are both in fine condition, adding to the overall appeal of car fit for any fast road driving adventure or tour event.

Accompanying the car is a history file, which includes many invoices from marque specialists, along with previous service records.

With continuous maintenance, sympathetic enhancements and restoration work in the hands of enthusiastic owners, and offering enjoyable fast road work with a bit of competition at club-level, this little  S4 is worthy of a closer inspection.