S3 Elan Coupe

Post by: **65ginetta** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:56 am

In September 2010 I purchased a 1966 Elan Coupe body and a collection of bits and pieces, brakes, suspension components, close ratio gear box, side and rear windows.

I have restored the components and assembled a new chassis and running gear.

I am restoring/assembling an 1800 Brian Hart Dry sump motor, this was my "dry build" to check the fit under the bonnet.

The body has taken almost a year to strip, remove all layers of paint and prepare for paint

I sent the prepared body to my local painter who has painted several British classics for me and I'm now starting the final assembly.

Post by: **bluesbrother30** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 4:20 am

OH MY................Love the color!!

ms

Post by: **elansprint** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 3:56 pm

Vernon what a fabulous job that will sit nicely alongside the G4 once finished
Ian

Post by: **Peter +2** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 4:13 pm

Looks fabulous, I am sure it will be a very exciting drive when on the road.

Peter

Post by: **Mazzini** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:34 pm

Fabulous looking car!

Post by: **65ginetta** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 1:14 am

Fitted the body to the chassis with the help of three friends and a few beers

Put the car on the lift to check bolt alignment

Post by: **knotnuts** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 11:41 am

Looks like the body work came out very nice! Look forward to seeing it in person soon.

Post by: **el-saturn** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:42 pm

what a nice job vernon - CONGRATULATIONS!!! sandy j

Post by: **lotocone** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 7:50 pm

What a nice Elan you're building. The rear shock towers have reinforcement that looks good. The Hart engine should move the car along very well! Looking forward to more pictures.

Bob
S4

Post by: **Stratosboy** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 7:52 pm

What a lovely looking car....lots of hard work too....a credit to you....well done.

Post by: **65ginetta** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 1:44 am

Making progress, bolted body to chassis and adjusted fit

Post by: **pharriso** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:54 pm

Vernon, the car looks fabulous, the quality of the paint & the build look to be superb.

I'm a bit of an originality nut, but I love the 26R lights & the twin NACA ducts in the hood.

Post by: **65ginetta** » Tue Apr 30, 2013 1:47 am

The car is for my wife who loves Lotus cars and she likes to wring its neck, hence the dry sump Hart 1800. We live in Southern States USA and for six months of the year its 80- 100 deg F, hence the AC.
I'm enjoying building my idea of a mildly improved ultimate 60's classic British Sportscar. I've watched with interest the Leno 26R replica take shape and am very disappointed at the final result which is technically very interesting but has little relevance to a Lotus Elan. Despite the modifications I have made still believe my car retains Chapman/ Elan DNA.

In certain circumstances I share you preference for originality and have a 1930 Classic Vintage car that I have restored whilst seeking to maintain all its original features. The only non original item is a SU carburetor in place of the Memini which I keep in a safe place.