Elan values

[rkneeland]

I just closed my e-bay listing for my early S2. I had it at 14.400 USD with no reserve and was sure it would sell. Not one bid! The previous recent Elans also did not sell and none went over 20K.

So just before Christmas during a recession is not the time to sell!

Makes me wonder about the other Elans you see at 29K USD.

Interesting.

[peterako]

Yep....lots of fear out there

But...at least you have an Elan still!!!

Happy Christmas!

Peter

[Elanintheforest]

It?s a great looking car (I assume the yellow S2 in Canada) but the non-originality will keep the price down, at least over here in the UK. Some mods will enhance the value, but the cut rear arches on your car devalues it quite considerably. The arches look a little like 26R arches, but the gap between top of wheel and arch just doesn't look right.

When I buy a car that?s been modified, I cost in the price of fixing it back to standard spec, at least in the bodywork, and take that cost off the value that the car would otherwise be worth. Modifications are a very personal thing, unless they are done to another ?approved? standard like the 26r mods, not many other folks will share the ?vision? that the modifier had.

It will sell of course, but the way to find out how the market values the car is to put in on eBay (after March!) starting at $5k, with the reserve where you want it to be, and see how high it goes. If you can get the rear end looking right, it will attract a lot more interest.

An Elan S4 restored to perfection recently sold over here for ?30,000, and the vendor, Paul Matty, just can?t get enough good stock to sell. The right cars are selling, but you have to compare like with like when trying to value your own car.

Tuck her away for the winter, and enjoy next year?I?m sure there?s a lot more fun to be had from the car.

Mark

[rkneeland]

Thanks for your thoughts

I think I'll go back to standard arches with Panasports. I have a unmolested S2 project car that I can "copy". I'm OK with fibreglass.

Too bad. It's soooo much fun with that wheel/tire combo.

That, with door seals and a glove box, and I'm dreaming about an alloy gas tank, and it should do OK.

What did we ever do before forums like this?

Rob

[denicholls2]

I didn't see this car. Been very busy as the end of the year comes, and others may be as well.

I agree that the arches are a bit unappealing, and I've also heard troubling things about cross-border purchases. My top contender right now is a very completely redone but unfinished S2 asking a good bit more. I'm trying to decide whether to bite or wait until my garage is empty enough to comfortably contain it.

I didn't see the particulars, but if everything's in good fettle I'd guess you're in the right ballpark. The challenge of the arches is not just redoing them but the paint too, and that goes to about half your asking price. So anyone who cares about them isn't a likely prospect.

I'd actually prefer a rattier S3 or later driver, but those don't seem to be available at present.

[Elanintheforest]

This car with 26r arches on the back would look stunning...I'm sure Dave Bean must do them.

Here's the listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Tru ... 240%3A1318

Take a look at Paddy's S1 with the right arches:

http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=17586

Now picture it in yellow...Perfecto!!

If you were this side of the pond, Rob, I'd be knocking....

Mark

[garyeanderson]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lotus-El ... dZViewItem

Doug
I think that this is Rob Kneelan's early S2

Gary

[rkneeland]

I just had a look at the "proper" 26R rear flares on Paddy's S1. I like them a lot. I see TTR has them.

When it gets re-listed in April, it'll look a whole lot better.

Tks
Rob

[garyeanderson]

Hi Rob

have e look at this flairs thread and feel free to add some of your car (before and after). I like your car, its got some issues but most do. Hold out for your price, these cars are worth it...

Gary

Elan Flairs - the good the bad and some ugly ones

http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16400

ps whats the unit number? I have 4020 and 4045

[paddy]

I've added a better photo so you can see the profile of the rear arch a bit better:

http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=17586

Paddy

[rkneeland]

Thanks

I had a look.

Are those 26R? I would have thought they'd be more extreme.

With TTR 26R arches and some time, mine would look similar?

Thanks for your help.

Rob

[paddy]

The PO fitted the arches and I think he got them from TTR. The widest wheel homologated for the 26R was 6" - so they extend the original arch by at most 1.5".

Paddy

[rkneeland]

Thought I'd post a follow up. I went with standard arches and Panasports with Vredesteins. I agree. The cut arches were....ummmm....a bit crude.

Now I won't wanna sell it!