Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Very difficult to comment on a car just from pics'. One comment; I would want to know exactly what has been done to the chassis and why, has it been welded and strengthened because it was rusty?

Looks a pretty car

The photos show two different doors and steering wheels

That car has been for sale for quite a long time now. I would thing it might have sold long ago if it indeed fits the description. Perhaps someone on here has actually seen/driven it?

The interiors are of different cars I think. The pattern on the dash is completely different.

Paddy

given the seller, i would have a PPI done by somebody you know and trust.

cabc26b wrote:given the seller, i would have a PPI done by somebody you know and trust.

Yes, I did a search on New England Classics & saw some real horror stories, mainly from people that bought cars sight unseen (MG Rot boxes), or gave them cars for restoration work.

paddy wrote:The interiors are of different cars I think. The pattern on the dash is completely different

You are 100% correct, one picture is an original dash no radio, the other a walnut dash with radio....

Curious & Curiouser, maybe I will stop in next week when I am in the area.

Yes I hadn't noticed the different interiors.

On that basis I wouldn't trust any of the pictures

One interior has an ammeter the other doesn't

One of the interiors sots (of the non-walnut dash) was taken later after the radio & a knob (bonnet catch?) had been re-fitted.

billwill wrote:One interior has an ammeter the other doesn't

One of the interiors sots (of the non-walnut dash) was taken later after the radio & a knob (bonnet catch?) had been re-fitted.

Possibly, but the seats are different

I'm also scared by "restored, strengthened original Lotus chassis (rust and damage free)"

Should I be concerned or could this be legit?

nebogipfel wrote:

billwill wrote:One interior has an ammeter the other doesn't

One of the interiors sots (of the non-walnut dash) was taken later after the radio & a knob (bonnet catch?) had been re-fitted.

Possibly, but the seats are different

I heard back from New England Classics, sloppy posting & swapped parts. Car now has correct S3 seats & the interior close-up with non-oem steering wheel & original style dash (no radio) is the car.

pharriso wrote:I'm also scared by "restored, strengthened original Lotus chassis (rust and damage free)"

Should I be concerned or could this be legit?

It could be legit, but I would want details before I considered buying a car with a chassis described in that way. Preferably getting the car up on a hoist to have a proper look.

Generally speaking welding a Lotus chassis to solve rust problems is not recommended due to the possibility of distortion. It can be done properly, but ideally would involve replacing sub-assemblies and secured in a jig to maintain alignment. Spyder (UK) used to offer such a service (not sure if they still do) but they replaced the whole front or rear of the chassis.

That car was on eBay a short while ago. It didn't meet reserve, but I think bidding was in the mid 20k area.

I dont know what sort of car you are looking for. I have listed on the LOONY site, http://www.lotusowners.com a very nice S3. It is right hand drive, but for the sale price you could easily get it transferred to LHD and not be close to the price that the car is that your are looking at.

My best friend really needs to sell the car, and while the price on the site is 21K, he is willing to deal and take less if it means a quick sale.

If you are interested, let me know. Car is really nice and I know it intimitely.