Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi,

My 1964 S1 was just delivered this morning so I thought I'd share some pictures. It's quite dirty from it's 38 year sleep, but still looks quite good! I'm going to start cleaning her up this afternoon and figuring out my way around an Elan. I had forgotten just how small these cars are!

Here is the link to the pictures:

http://s255.photobucket.com/albums/hh13 ... Elan%20S1/

Ian

Looks good. Keep us up to speed on the story.

Looks amazing after such a long sleep.

Nice one

Yes..........and I see the other flared one in the background. Keep us in the loop.

Mike

Fabulous! Not terribly keen on the wheels, but wow, what a great car. Please post photos of the engine bay.

I'm undecided on the wheels. They are at least period additions. Fortunately the car came with an NOS set of original wheels and hub caps so I expect that is what will be going back on there.

The flared racer? I'm not sure what to do with it. I've had thoughts of building a BDA powered monster street/track-day car, but does any really 'need' two elans? If anyone is interested some photos can be found here: http://s255.photobucket.com/albums/hh13 ... Elan%20S1/

I have an E-Type project arriving soon so space will start to become a bit of an issue soon too!

One question: The door inner panels on the 64 are Teak! I'm fairly sure this wasn't how they came but I have seem several pictures where the panel was a light color. I believe this may have been an Oatmeal Vinyl perhaps a bit like was used on the Europas. Does anyone have any knowledge of the correct material and if it can be purchased anywhere?

Cheers!

Ian

Ian, have you had a look around the type26 register, there is a lot of info there http://www.type26register.com/interior_trim.html
When I bought my S2 (in boxes) it also had wood effect door panals and I assumed they were home made so just threw them away.
PS. nice looking car but I'm afraid I'm also not keen on the wheels, please show some engine pics.

Engine shots are now posted.

So the wood veneer may be correct? Interesting . . .

Ian Ref: "I've had thoughts of building a BDA powered monster street/track-day car"

Would this work for the road beast? I was going to put it in my elan, but changed my mind.
2.1 ltr alloy block, all steel ~250+ bhp on twin 48's

James

Hello Ian, that's a good looking Elan and it's in my favorite color! Purity.
I researched a little bit on the door panels and I think they're modifications. Can you tell if your dashboard is refurbished/newer? And does the wood on the doors perfectly match the dash?
I believe the door panels should be basic black vinyl on "masonite" board. Yes, you can find replacement materials.
Do you have a copy of "The Original Lotus Elan" by Paul Robinshaw and Christopher Ross? If not, buy one.
I think someone may have been cutting a bit on your wheel wells to clear suspension and steering travel for those alloy wheels. The car should have lips on both front and rear cutouts.
Welcome aboard, Eric

Terrific looking car Ian. Keep us posted as you sort it out.

Ian

I am no 1600/S2 expert but I believe that the door cards would originally have been in cream vinyl. This is a totally unrelated colour or material to the later Oatmeal, used in Europas and +2s. For reference I have included a shot from a contemporary road test, carried out by Autocar in summer 1964.

Have you managed to sort out your unit, chassis and body numbers yet?

Tim

That's gorgeous, it doesn't even need a respray, just a good polish. Got a lovely patina about it. I like the wood door panels, they look great, don't mind the wheels either. Rebuild the engine and electrics etc. and drive it as is! Enjoy!

Nothing to do with the car (which looks great) but I noticed that you are in San Clemente. When I was growing up in LA ('50s/early '60s) my aunt lived there, and I spent many weekends and entire summers in what was then a small town. The freeway came through during that time and things began to change. She lived at 1815 Los Alamos, in an old house with a courtyard. It looks as if the house has changed a lot since then, if there is even anything left of the original. Lots of wonderful memories.

Congratulations on your new acquisition!

Congrats on a great find, Ian!

As others have said, It does look to be in great condition.

I add my 2c b/c your pics remind me so much of my S2, partly since they are the same, or similar colors. I have begun a ?front half? rebuild & planning to be on the road this Spring. I am up the road in Long Beach and recently met another guy nearby who has an S2 that is actually running & driving.

Best of luck with your project, wherever you decide to take it.

Jay
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