Estimate: €45,000 - €55,000
Registration Number: EU Taxes Paid
Chassis Number: 26/3731

The Lotus Elite was a highly advanced and effective sports car but Lotus needed a replacement with wider and more popular appeal; it was thus that the Elan was born, a true sports car that was to set unprecedented standards of roadholding, handling and performance.

Launched at the 1962 London Motor Show, at the Elan's heart was a rigid backbone chassis so good that it has formed the basis of all Lotus models since. Independent suspension under a light and outstandingly pretty GRP body ensured nimble handling with racing car feel and responses, while soft springing also provided an excellent ride - a combination allowing the Elan numerous track successes in little modified form; brakes were disc all round with centre-lock wheels. The engine, initially 1,498cc was soon increased to 1,558cc,- a four cylinder twin-cam unit; through twin Weber 40DCE carburettors, it p