Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Evening all.
I have the chance of purchasing a barn find 63 s1 anyone have an idea of what it would be worth. Needs resto. Has 49k miles on clock. It's a family member so don't want to steel it and don't want to pay too much. Chassis number bellow 80. Thanks in advance

A little information would help. South of what? UK and US have different values. What can you say about the condition of the car? Painting and replacement of sub-frame have the great impact on restoration cost and ultimately market value.

Here is a recent sale on the west coast of US that was a very good deal in my opinion
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291477104416?ss ... 1555.l2648

Dan

It's been in a garage for 20 years in the uk. Will try and get some pics. Not drive able buy any means

I think originality has a lot to do with early Elans value.

If it's complete with all the rare bits and pieces, but needs a full restoration (chassis, paint, upholstery, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes.....everything!) then a 'normal' S1 / S2 would be somewhere around ?15k for starters. Given that this car is so early, and if it still has it's Bourne body tag, it's original engine and a good bit of history, such as original buff log book, old MOTs, old invoices etc., then you could add perhaps another ?10k to that, maybe more.

A car that early, if all original, would rank as one of the most desirable Elans to collectors. They just never become available!

Do bare in mind that a professional restoration will cost ?50k plus, but a lot of the work can be completed by the enthusiastic amateur....like most of us on this forum.

Looking forward to seeing some pictures!

Mark Kempson

Unfortunately for us Elan fans this sort of discovery is almost becoming "beyond price".

Please do post some photos.

Pics of the car

looks like 2 owners and has the original registration book. still has the original number plate too

I think that you've found the dream Elan! That is the earliest type of steering wheel fitted to the car, and was only fitted for a few months. It's almost unbelievable that it hadn't been replaced at some time in the last 53 years! And it still has the raw fibreglass engine bay (only the early cars had this), which could mean that the car hasn't been repainted.

Have a look at this section of the Type 26 register to see what changes came along, and it will also give you hints of what to look for.

http://www.type26register.com/spec_changes.html

It does look like a later cylinder head has been installed, which isn't at all unusual. It would be interesting to see if it still has the original engine block. Just have a look at the block where the engine mounting is bolted....look between the carburetors with a torch!

It's a very exciting find.

Mark Kempson

originally red

I`m guessing that your "family member" will be delighted to find it`s worth quite a lot. The sort of person who has been looking for an early Elan and can`t wait to tackle a full, no expense spared, restoration would happily pay ?15k+. The question is; is that you? If so an offer of, say, ?10k would (again I`m guessing) leave everyone happy.
If the project is a bit more, in every way, a bit too much for you personally, I`d recommend your family member put the car up for auction at one of the top houses. Maybe Bonhams or, these days, Silverstone Auctions, as they are getting some great results for significant cars. Either way, keep us all informed.
Jim

jimj wrote:The question is; is that you?

This is a wise posting. You can pay probably a lot more to the family to get this car than you thought it was worth if you "don't want to steal it", then pay a multiple of that to finish it properly. If you do that, you'll likely have a prize Elan, but one that might be daunting to drive due to its value. And Elans were made to be driven, not garaged. Your pictures affirm that.

If you're not up to the cost and labor of restoring the car properly and originally, then I'd recommend you avoid that path. It would be a shame to restore one of these on the cheap, and the price it might bring wouldn't be too far off that of a driver elan needing a lot less future investment.

My guess is that the car is sitting because it was rebuild time. To get it to run safely, that's an engine, suspension, and brake rebuild, then on to the cosmetics like the interior. Given the state of the aluminum and steel under the hood, I'd expect the chassis is in similar condition. Checking the front turrets and the vacuum tank are simple enough tasks.

If you decide to send it to auction can I suggest that you do not wash it or clean it out.
That dust and muck can be worth quite a lot in support of `originality`.
It will probably be listed as a Barn find or a Garage find.
The prospective buyers will know exactly what is under the surface.
Either way, congratulations, you can`t go wrong.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

Here is a part restored early S1 for sale in the UK - no engine so nowhere near as original as yours - anyone know how much is being asked? May help your assessment.

http://www.paulmattysportscars.co.uk/sh ... px?id=3676

David

It's up for 20k also a 1 owner