The Lotus Elan Auction of the Century

[ClassicLotus]

Hi all,

just saw the newest entrys in the Auctions Catalogue for the "RACE RETRO CLASSIC AND COMPETITION CAR SALE 2023" by Silverstone Auctions which will be held on 25th February next year.

https://www.silverstoneauctions.com/race-retro-2023/2023-01-17

In total I count 7 Elans in auction, including Ron Hickmans, Rob Walkers, Jochen Rindts and Keith Duckworths personal cars.

In addition to this Jim Clarks S1 was (or is) for sale somewhere else a few days ago.

I myself would not pay the premium for a particular previous owner, what do you think?

[SimonH]

This Piddington collection had a few nice cars by the look of that. No idea who that is though.
For every person who wont pay a premium there's going to be someone rich who will. The auction will tell the tale.

[trw99]

This is a wonderful Elan collection, which I have been privileged to view on a number of occasions. Although all these cars have a wonderful provenance, they are all in the most exquisite condition. They have all been well restored where necessary and are in museum quality condition.

In addition, each of these cars has a very particular provenance, well documented and verifiable. Anyone buying one of these Elans would own a small piece of motoring history and a large slice of Lotus history. I hope that at least one may end up in the Lotus factory heritage collection and perhaps another down the road at Classic Team Lotus.

Tim

[SimonH]

I hope that at least one may end up in the Lotus factory heritage collection and perhaps another down the road at Classic Team Lotus.

Unlikely to happen unless someone buys them and gifts them to those two parties.

[trw99]

Simon, as I wrote ‘I hope …’!

Tim

[111Robin]

I saw this today and wondered what is/was the "Piddington" collection ?. I haven't been able to find anything with a quick search.

[trw99]

It is a private collection and I believe the term Piddington Collection is one of convenience for the auction.

Tim

[pharriso]

Oooo... love the ex-Hickman Elan https://www.silverstoneauctions.com/sa084-lot-19527-1971-lotus-elan-sprint-drophead-coupe-ron-hickman?el=19527&pn=1&pp=100

[baileyman]

The only Elan at correct ride height is the Emma Peel? John

[DavidLB]

I think that Ron bought this car from Ken Miles I saw it sometime in the late 90's at Donnington Ron had just started to return to the Lotus scene

[Frogelan]

Emma Peel's car is our version of a genuine Bond DB5 !

[phil1800]

What a nice collection! I never have seen such reverse lights arrangement like on the Sellers Elan. Is it knows who did this conversion and what are the two additional rear bumper bolts for?
I thought the Emma Peel Elan S2/3 was painted Jaguar Opalescent Blue (like mine), but this metallic paint has a green hue in it. Bad photo or wrong colour?

[trw99]

Phil,

The Sellers Elan has a rare optional rear bumper, only offered for a very short time. It was seen on the Baldet Silver Streak too. See att photo. The Sellers Elan also has the short run Corrello side indicators. See att photo.

The Peel Elan is indeed the Jaguar Snipe Blue [attachment=2]Baldet Silver Streak Rear Bumper.JPG[/attachment][attachment=1]Peter Sellars in 2019 restored 1.JPG[/attachment][attachment=0]Special Avengers Jaguar Snipe Blue.JPG[/attachment]colour, so it is just the photo reproduction that deceives. See att photo I took on my iPhone of the car.

Tim

[phil1800]

Tim,

thank you! The optional bumper looks much better with the overriders in place, although I prefer the standard look. Your light blue metallic color sample looks like Opalescent Blue to me and like the color on my car. BTW, what are other ‚options‘, that never really were commercialized: chrome bumpers, overriders/ back- up bumper, what else?

[RAJ2628]

I was lucky enough to be invited to see the collection and can confirm every word that Tim said. Before I set off, the owner, a really nice guy, told me his cars were significant. I had no clue what it meant until I arrived. It was a bit of a trip to get there and back in the day but it was a fantastic day. Every car he introduced had a really good story and as you can see linked to some really prominent people. I hope the auction goes well for him.
Without him where, and in what condition, would they be in today.
Good luck with the auction.