New To Forum, Want To Buy An Elan

[chicagojeff]

Hello all. Admired the Elan for many years. now can finally afford one. Any good starting recommendations? I need basic info, like even what is the difference between the Sprint and an S3? Any cars you know of for sale? Things like that....

I've been thru the whole learning process with my two other cars (BMW 2002, and Porsche 911) , now time to go Lotus!

thanks all. Jeff in Chicago

[1964 S1]

Greetings, I'd start by buying some of the numerous books on early Elans, available from Amazon, Half dot com and occasionally on ebay. The Brookland Books series are some of the best, they're magazine sized and are reproductions of numerous old road tests from many magazines throughout the world. I think there are three covering the Elans, plus their restoration guide, probably a must have. A good general read is LOTUS ELAN The Complete Story, by Mike Taylor. Maybe better is The Lotus Elan and Europa A Collector's Guide by John Bolster.
Finding them for sale? The usual suspects, Hemmings, Ebay, Auto Trader's Collector Issues, this forum and newspapers. The three most recent I've bought came one from our local paper, one from Ebay and one from a general internet ad I came across years ago.
There is also a tremendous amount of basic info on this website. Like, I think the Sprint had more horsepower and strengthened drivetrain components, it was made at the end of the Elan production, an S3 has different dashboard switches and...

[brassringfarm]

Jeff- Welcome to the group. I highly agree to buy every book you can FIRST, and learn about potential problem areas to watch for. Ask for other Lotus owners in the Chicago area and have them go with you to look at a potential car - so when you drive it - they will have perspective on what 'normal' is. You didn't say whether you wanted a perfect one or a basket case - but no matter which - the car is phenomenal to drive! My wife is scared of it because it is so small it looks UP to a Mini Cooper - so we don't go on long trips together in it. I did the basket case route and did all the work myself. The car is pretty logical to work on. Read the archives on areas of interest - this group is amazing.
I have a 65 S2, and personally like the fact that there is no side window frame, but it's a personal choice. I also did not re-install the windows because when driving leisurely - I like to have by elbow resting on the door. Normally the window sits an inch or two higher than the door. Therefore, I just have a tonneau cover which has created some fun experiences when getting caught in surprise rain storms.
Good luck
Paul Zimmerman
65 S2
Geneva Switzerland

[ElliottN]

Get involved with Lotus Corps in Chicago

<a href='http://lotuscorps.home.mchsi.com/' target='_blank'>http://lotuscorps.home.mchsi.com/</a>

Good luck.

[gjz30075]

Jeff, welcome. Join this club:
<a href='http://lotuscorps.home.mchsi.com/' target='_blank'>http://lotuscorps.home.mchsi.com/</a>

They still have many members with vintage Lotus' and some Elans.

Check out the meeting location on the first page.

Greg Z

[lotus67]

Jeff: If interested, I have a 67 S3 DHC that I will be putting up for sale shortly. The car had a full restoration about 10 years age and has been driven about 250 miles since but always stored covered in a heated garage. I do start it on a monthly basis and get it fully up to temp. The car is totally stock and is still + ground. Interior I would rate an 8. Dash is beautiful. Driver seat has very minor skuff on side. Top is new and never been on the car except to fit. Tires new. Paint 9. Brand new Panasport wheels with knock off's. Also have the origional wheels. At present the doors are off the car. One of the hinge bobbins came loose and needed to be reglassed so I repaired the one and reinforced the other while doing the job.
The car is in Cincinnati. Paint is Triumph British Racing Green in a monotone scheme(bumpers and all). Have paperwork on the car back to the factory.
If interested, email me at [email protected]. Be glad to send pics, or have you come see the car.
Thanks: Scott

[1964 S1]

...I failed to mention probably the best introduction/information book on the Elan, "The Original Lotus Elan" by Paul Robinshaw and Christopher Ross.

[lotus67]

Jeff: Accidently deleted your email address. If you still have interest in the car, please contact me at the email in the origional post.
Thanks: Scott

[mark030358]

Hi there,
One comment about buying a DHC. Make sure its a type 45. If not, its either had its top cut off or been reshelled. Very important as this could affect the resale value.

Cheers
Mark

[Frank Howard]

<!--QuoteBegin-mark030358+May 23 2005, 10:35 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (mark030358 @ May 23 2005, 10:35 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hi there,
One comment about buying a DHC. Make sure its a type 45. If not, its either had its top cut off or been reshelled. Very important as this could affect the resale value.

Cheers
Mark [/quote]
"Make sure its a type 45. If not, its either had its top cut off..."

But a type 45 is nothing but a type 36 that has had it's top cut off at the factory. As long as the job was undertaken in a professional manner and the proper parts were fitted to the top of the windscreen, who cares if the owner cut the top off or the factory did?

Frank Howard
[email protected]
"71 S4 SE
Came from the factory with the top missing
Minnesota