Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Finally after wanting a baby elan since childhood I've at last found one I can afford,looking forward to a complete restoration

Good luck Shaun, looks like a real challenge.

Wow, I'll bet that is going to cause a bit of debate here. What do you know about it, VIN engine no etc.

A few things catch my eye, the sprint colour scheme, the early large vent dash but later dash switches, bolt on wheels early oil filler cap. Do you know much of the history?

Present owner has had it around 16 years ,hpi describes as 1968 s4 in red colour change in 1998 ( sprint stripe) overall condition is very good considering being left under a cover for a good length of time ,any info on originality would be helpfull thanks

Later type rear lights

Congratulation it looks like a nice project

Its an early 68 standard specification S4 from what i see, assuming what I see on it is all original. It still has some S3 features like the larger radiator ( could have been changed) and the Lotus script on each of the cam covers and not on the front ( again could have been changed). Apart from those features it appears identical to my August 68 Standard spec S4.

cheers
Rohan

A while ago I sold a front case to a forum member I'm afraid I have lost his details so if he recognises this post perhaps he would contact me. Thanks David Beresford

Later style steering wheel. Type 36 so it's had the roof cut off. Looks to have a correct style Hoodframe though.

Looks like it might be a long job!

Hi Shaun and great to hear that another Elan ( NOT a baby Elan)will soon be back on the road. As Rohan said it looks like an early S4 but with a few changes such as wheels and cam cover and after market air filters. What are engine and chassis numbers?
Ian

Looks like the chassis number is 45/8143

Could have sworn there was a 36 on that chassis plate however I do need to upgrade my glasses prescription.

Hi Shaun,
I have 45/8152. Early 1968 standard S4. Large demister vents, bolt-on wheels, large radiator, rocker switches and wipers that park to the left.
When you start the restoration, take plenty of photographs, and don't throw anything away.
Cheers,
Colin.

quote="shaun"]Looks like the chassis number is 45/8143[/quote]

Hi Shaun,

That's a great find.
Looks like lots of hard work and deep pockets are required but nothing will give more satisfaction when you are admiring the end result.

Colin

Great find and a terrific project. You'll get plenty of useful info and advice on here. Keep a good photo record of progress and post regularly on here. Looking forward to it

Hi Shaun.
I see you did complete the sale on Saturday, great find, congratulations.

Yes it?s going to be an interesting restoration, looking forward to the project progress photos.

I note that Colins S4 (fatboyoz) located in Australia has a chassis No only 9 later than yours and a very similar spec.
He has his listed on the ?Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan +2 Registry?, but yours is not.
If you want to register it this is a link: - http://elanregistry.org/list_cars.php

You probably did a check on the DVLA Vehicle Information and DVLA MOT History, I checked and the only info is that the car was first registered on the 29 December 1968 and that a SORN is in place.

Good luck with the restoration.