Personal opinions on which Elan to Buy

[gearbox]

Hello all;

I'm new to the group and a wanna be Elan owner. I'm currently in the market and have several that I am looking at seriously and will be making an offer soon. But I am in no way an Elan aficionado, so I apologize in advance for any seemingly silly questions. First of all, I'm a bit confused about the variations and what was changed and when. For example, when was the weber head change over to the Strombergs, was it during the S3 model years, or was it when the S4 was released? Also, when, or what models had the power windows. What are the differences between the SE, SS, and Sprint models and do these command a significant price increase? Is there a paint code on the car? I really like the S4 Sprint, but good luck getting one. But I wouldn't mind getting a S4 and painting it the Sprint colors. And since we are on the topic of modifications, is orginality important with this marque? I mean, I have seen cars with new spyder chassis', BDD motors, exotic wood dashes, and it doesn't seem to lower the prices any, actually it increases it. Finally, outside of the unobtainable cars like the 26R etc., which would be the best Elan to buy and enjoy and why? There's no right nor wrong answer, but just getting the forum's collective thoughts in helping me make a decision. Thanks Allan

[trw99]

Allan

Welcome and I do hope you find your ideal Elan soon, the better to enjoy the driving pleasure.

You will find me rather biased, so I shall immediately state that you could do little wrong with buying a Sprint! (Please feel free to visit the web site below)

I'll also attempt to answer one or two of your questions.

'When was the Weber head change over to the Strombergs, was it during the S3 model years, or was it when the S4 was released?' Officially Strombergs were introduced early on in the S4s production. They remained on Federal versions until the end of production. Subsequently many owners in North America swapped the heads for Weber units.

'When, or what models had the power windows?' These were introduced on the S3 model alongside a good number of bodywork changes and included the chrome window surrounds.

'What are the differences between the SE, SS, and Sprint models and do these command a significant price increase?' Good to see that you already know how to get a discussion going on this forum, Allan! In a nutshell, the answer is many and varied. Differences between the S4 and Sprint are on my web site. The SS was officially only a Federal version, but there are a number of RHD cars. You may already know that Lotus in the sixties had scant regard for historical accuracy and recording of changes, so no-one can be definitively explicit about the changes!

'Is there a paint code on the car?' Sometimes! It may be found on the bottom right hand corner of the VIN plate in the engine compartment.

'Is originality important with this marque?' Yep!

I hope that gives you some help and I'm sure others will be along with their views too!

Tim

[stugilmour]

Welcome to the Elan Allan. Your questions should get some spirited responses, or at least some links to the archives.

This link provides some basic info regarding model differences, including the window lift introduction. Lots of listers here have their cars registered on the site.

http://www.elanregistry.org/guide.php

According to my Robinshaw and Ross book "Authentic Lotus Elan & Plus 2" (excellent overview book) the Stromberg's were introduced with serial number 8600 for the Elan, or serial number 1280 for the Plus 2. I think this is S4 territory, but someone more knowledgeable can confirm.

I don't think there generally is a specific paint code on the car, but some listers have info that can provide the original factory colour for some specific serial numbers. In addition, one can email the Lotus archivist and get this info if it exists; didn't have it for my car.

Tim's web site has excellent info on the Sprint here.

http://www.lotuselansprint.com/

The value of the cars tend to be influenced by condition. Period correct mods are common. As with most classics, there is a premium for 100% originality, but this is pretty uncommon in the marque. I side with the sentiment that the cars are for driving, and don't get too fussed with mods. Note that a lot of common drivability mods are reversible if you wish. Here is an excellent thread about common mods with lots of views

elan-mods-f31/mods-you-have-done-hits-winners-misses-and-loosers-t23243.html

The big value driver tends to be if the car has had it's frame replaced. The original frames are prone to corrosion damage in the towers, and have often been replaced in conjunction with body work. This is very expensive and time consuming work, and is often reflected in the market value. I went Spyder frame, but of course views vary on this.

Which is the best model? That's easy, the one you pick!

HTH

[bast0n]

Allan

Has to be the S3 SE DHC with a Sprint spec engine and don't let anyone tell you I am biased!!

Oh, white with black bumpers also!!

Good luck and welcome.

[Spyder fan]

Allan,
All the Elans are nice cars, buy the best you can afford, the version is unimportant.

Deep breath from a comitted Elan Modifier and molester---------- Avoid buying heavily modified cars, it's far better to stay close to the original and once you are more up to speed with the marque you can decide if modifications are for you or not. A lot of modifications are relatively low cost, but putting a modification back to standard can be really expensive.

Mine are extremely modifed to the point where some don't recognise them as Elan's, but they are interesting and much admired.

Alan

[Mazzini]

Welcome Allan!

Don't think Lotus made a bad Elan.

S3's are sooo pretty, but S4's represent better value.

By the way I have a friend in Canada with a very nice S3 dhc that maybe for sale - PM if you're interested.

All the best,

Mazzini

[Mazzini]

Beautiful picture... I don't believe Elan's get any prettier.

[ardee_selby]

I'm a wanna be Elan owner....

For some reason I looked no further than the Elan which both Jim Clark & Graham Hill chose.

If I were in the market today, however, it would be a +2, no question, particularly having read accounts by certain +2 owners in the forum.

Cheers - Richard

[elansprint71]

http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/post129203.html

[Fred Talmadge]

I prefer the early cars for no other reason than they don't have that permanent window frame. Kind of a stupid reason, but that 's just me. To be honest you should buy the one you like.

[nebogipfel]

For some reason I looked no further than the Elan which both Jim Clark & Graham Hill chose.

To be fair Jim Clark couldn't really choose a Sprint

If I were in the market today, however, it would be a +2, no question, particularly having read accounts by certain +2 owners in the forum.

I've never seen you as a lorry driver Richard
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allan,

As I've often said, IMO Elans improved throughout production but whatever Elan you buy you'll love it, it's one of the best cars in the world

[Bluefield]

+ 1 for the early cars (type 26, series 1-2). Elans are made fore driving - you don't need electric windows or even window frames. Toggle switches (S 1-3) will always be more classy than rocker switches. Regarding power, for me there is plenty enough with the standard 105 horsepower of a well sorted twin cam - also remember the early cars are less weight..
Biased? Naaaah...

/Bluefield
26-3811

[adigra]

Welcome and good luck!

SE, SS and Sprint are all different in varied areas. SS was a ploy introduced to tide Lotus over until the S4 came out. So it was technically an S3 with various "safety" features. Many cars differ, but some of the features are S4 style dashboards with rocker switches and cable pulls, and bolt on wheels or with inward eared spinners. For me a car being an SS would not influence a purchase either way, but some people like the curiosity and the story.

SE, or Special Equipment are mainly differentiated by a different cam profile providing an extra 10bhp (115). It also added a brake servo and seatbelts, as well as a chrome strip under the doors and S/E badging. You can, very easily, upgrade a regular car to S/E spec, or higher, so they don't command much, if any, premium.

Sprint is either a super S4, or an S5 by a different name. Big valve engine (126bhp) is its trump card, but there are numerous other little differences.

Aside from the 26R, my two favourite Elans are the S3 coupe and the Sprint DHC. I think the S3 coupe is the prettiest of them all by far, and the ultimate usable Elan. The squared arches of the S4, in my opinion, suit a drophead much better, and an open Sprint with a rollbar (to balance out the window frames) is the ultimate sunny day weapon.

In the end though, ny Elan will be awesome if set up properly.

[ardee_selby]

As you were guys...seems a decision has been made:

Quote: "here's a pic of the car I am buying"

download/file.php?id=19104

elan-wanted-f4/wheel-arch-repair-sections-t25125.html

Cheers - Richard

[garyeanderson]

Hi Allan

Your question is a bit loaded and we really need more information on what you intend to do with the Elan once you buy it. Not much point in buying an Elan that is all tricked out with big hp if you want to do car shows and stand around and talk. The opposite is true also. The early Elans are somewhat lighter, and may have (if still stock) a bit less power, Later Elans "more features and more weight, a bit more civilized to live with. All can be modified and in the U.S. modified Elans are not looked at the same as by those folks in other parts of the world. That said, if you want to by a car to modify, try and limit it to items that can be unbolted, put into storage and kept and other items bolted in place, try to avoid drilling holes that would need to be repaired (and repainted) to make it stock again. There are really plenty of Elans to choose from so there is not a lot of reasons to "do it again" and molest yet another very nice stock Elan. As Stuart said read the mods topic
elan-mods-f31/mods-you-have-done-hits-winners-misses-and-loosers-t23243.html
also look at where the folks live that are giving you advice, that advice is all good but may not be that pertinent to what you need , want . or should or should not do to be happy with your future purchase. To be quite honest the only way that you can go wrong with a stock or near stock Elan is to buy an Elan that does not meet your ideas of what you want to do with the car. Coupes are very nice also and have the added benefit of extending the driving season in the north east, Last winter was a great one here and I was able to get out in my S2 with hardtop and no heater at least once every week since September. See what does your Elan/Plus2 look like today
elan-f14/what-does-your-elan-plus2-look-like-today-t23626.html
Have fun and enjoy the looking and lusting

Gary

Hello all;

I'm new to the group and a wanna be Elan owner. I'm currently in the market and have several that I am looking at seriously and will be making an offer soon. But I am in no way an Elan aficionado, so I apologize in advance for any seemingly silly questions. First of all, I'm a bit confused about the variations and what was changed and when. For example, when was the weber head change over to the Strombergs, was it during the S3 model years, or was it when the S4 was released? Also, when, or what models had the power windows. What are the differences between the SE, SS, and Sprint models and do these command a significant price increase? Is there a paint code on the car? I really like the S4 Sprint, but good luck getting one. But I wouldn't mind getting a S4 and painting it the Sprint colors. And since we are on the topic of modifications, is orginality important with this marque? I mean, I have seen cars with new spyder chassis', BDD motors, exotic wood dashes, and it doesn't seem to lower the prices any, actually it increases it. Finally, outside of the unobtainable cars like the 26R etc., which would be the best Elan to buy and enjoy and why? There's no right nor wrong answer, but just getting the forum's collective thoughts in helping me make a decision. Thanks Allan