Elan Identification

[csjohnson]

What is the best way to go about identifying the model of an Elan between S1, S2, S3 or S4. All I know at this point is the car was built in 1966, it is an SE model and is has the Indy badge on the right side with a world champions badge on the left side both right in front of the door. The car has the twin overhead cam motor and is a 2 seat convertible roadster. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[1964 S1]

Greetings,
If I were you I'd buy a copy of The Original Lotus Elan 1962-1973 by Paul Robinshaw and Christopher Ross. This site's archives are also a great help with your questions.

Eric

[Ross Robbins]

The best way to identify what series you have is with a reference book as has been noted. Failing that a 1966 SE car is either a series 2 or 3 as that was the time of the changeover. If it has pull up frame less side glass, it is a series 2, and if it has electric windows with frames it is a series 3. My bet is that it is an S2 SE. Post some photos and we can be more specific.

What ever it is welcome to the mayhem. Enjoy!

[csjohnson]

Well you definitely have the glass right. No rails, just pull up with a metal tab attached to the top of the window. I will get a picture posted tomorrow. Thanks for the help and I definitely will look for that book.

[Galwaylotus]

What is the best way to go about identifying the model of an Elan between S1, S2, S3 or S4. All I know at this point is the car was built in 1966, it is an SE model and is has the Indy badge on the right side with a world champions badge on the left side both right in front of the door. The car has the twin overhead cam motor and is a 2 seat convertible roadster. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The S1 and S2 are the ugly ones with the boot lid not going all the way to the rear. The S4 is the ugly one with the squared off wheel openings and the big blocky taillamp clusters. The S3 is the beautiful one!!

[bcmc33]

Greetings,
If I were you I'd buy a copy of The Original Lotus Elan 1962-1973 by Paul Robinshaw and Christopher Ross. Eric

Good advice - but not at this price:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss?url ... &x=15&y=22

[quaybook]

This book will also enable you to identify Elan models - it has a chassis number list plus details of the main changes and it is relatively cheap: 'Lotus Elan and Europa' by John Bolster publisher Motor Racing Publications Ltd, from their Collector's Guide series.

Vernon

[frearther]

Galwaylotus, you've got it all wrong. The S2 is the good looking one. No distracting window frames sticking up and whistling in the wind, no dinky S1 tail lights, trunk lid is perfect. What could be better (I bet we get lots of answers to this question ) .

[Galwaylotus]

Gee, Art. My car has an engine and I don't have to pedal it along from inside the engine bay like yours!!!

[frearther]

Actually, I was just [pushing the walls farther apart to receive the Cosworth DFV that's now in it. A little front-heavy, but it makes Lambos take notice!

[Galwaylotus]

Actually, I was just [pushing the walls farther apart to receive the Cosworth DFV that's now in it. A little front-heavy, but it makes Lambos take notice!

I'll bet it does!!
Does that mean you need to run rear F1 tyres on the front?

[frearther]

[/quote]
I'll bet it does!!
Does that mean you need to run rear F1 tyres on the front? [/quote]

Yup. And the rear is solid tire all the way across. Does away with differentials, etc. Not great in tight corners, though. I'm still working on that.

Art

[Elan45]

Nope, Galway has it right, in fact, the early pre-airflow FHC is the prettiest of all Elans. I've never heard any wind whistle through the window frames. Just the sweet sounds of the Twin-cam exhaust and the Weber's growl. The interior door cards are much better on the latter cars too.

Roger

[rodbean]

What is the best way to go about identifying the model of an Elan between S1, S2, S3 or S4. All I know at this point is the car was built in 1966, it is an SE model and is has the Indy badge on the right side with a world champions badge on the left side both right in front of the door. The car has the twin overhead cam motor and is a 2 seat convertible roadster. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

May I suggest looking at http://www.type26register.com/. These guys have gone to a lot of trouble clarifying model differences only alluded to in some other publications. That said, you have a rare model if yours is a S2-SE. I would try to preserve it in original form.

Incidentally, the discussion of 26s vs the window frame Elans is interesting. I've always wondered why one would actually prefer the later models, especially with regard to aesthetics. Well, to each his own.

Rod

[ppnelan]

In my experience, the intense dislike of framed windows seems to be a 'very American thing' - perhaps it's because the weather is good enough in many places to warrant having an open car that stays open for most or all of the year?! Here in the UK, we are used to cars with framed windows (& roofs), to keep out the cold draughts and (most of) the rain or snow...

Yes, it was VERY WET here last night & today...

Matthew