S1 Bourne Elans - history and details of known cars

[dunclentdr]

Oops - sorry Jeff, didn't know that, thanks!!

BTW everyone, Jeff dedicated many years to #202, incredible attention to details and you can see that for yourselves in the pictures.

David

[rodlittle]

I think you will find that the grey colour was due to the slate filler used in the resin.
I have chassis 86 unit no 67 restored some 3 years ago and detailed on this forum pics must be in the archive somewhere
rod

[Certified Lotus]

David, your airbox looks larger than normal. Where did you get it?

[paddy]

Good idea Tim - I think all bar one so far are providing chassis numbers so suggest we continue with that

So I'm

Bourne body number: 26/0062
Unit number: 3071
Chassis number: 26/0087

Paddy

[Famous Frank]

David, Interesting pic of chassis 339. I may be mistaken but I didn't think Knock On Wheels were available that early. Also, I don't see any holes for wipers shafts, or for an air intake in front of the windshield. And multiple holes to attach the body to the rear frame strut area. If they could only talk!!!
Frank

[Famous Frank]

David, also, the Europa looks great, Not to steal the thread but can you add a pic of it?

And ditto on the air box. Where did that come from

[Certified Lotus]

Good idea Tim - I think all bar one so far are providing chassis numbers so suggest we continue with that:-

26/0062
20/0202
26/0206
26/0339

David

Oops, sorry. My chassis number is in my signature so I thought that was enough

Chassis Number: 26/0379
Body Number: 26/0304

[pharriso]

Above at Bourne Mouldings the chap in the dark suit is Graham Roberts , he went on to establish Graham Roberts Plastics , i only found this out when buying matting and resin from them last year . Graham is no longer with us but his daughter works there. http://www.grpltd.net/About-Us.aspx

Graham on the right discussing a project with DC.

Steve

Their location is no more than 4 or 5 miles from the original location of the Bourne factory. Who is DC?

[jonsered 11]

Hi David,

you asked about the grey colour on the bodyshells, this is the correct colour, although it was a grey pigment in the gelcoat and not a painted surface, you're right, the colour in your engine compartment is a little too dark!

Jonsered

[dunclentdr]

For details about the airbox we will need to ask the person who brought #0202 back to life - Jeff - 'Mazlot'.

Here is a thread with some pics of the Europa (thanks):-

lotus-talk-f50/shelsley-walsh-driving-school-t34998.html#p238596

David

[mazlot]

I reckon the gel coat colour is whatever they had to hand, I stand by my previous statement.


The airbox was made by a guy in the Lotus Club here in Brisbane, gives a bit more air to the rear carburettor choke.

[Certified Lotus]

Does the guy in Brisbane still make the airboxes? I'd be interested in one.

[mazlot]

this is his email.

Craig Wilson

redelan6 (at) gmail.com

[dunclentdr]

Famous Frank - here is a little background on the S1 (I also have the S2 mentioned) from Allan Chou who found them in a barn in the US:-

'the original owner was Peter Elkhart who had owned the cars since the late 60?s and early 1970?s. He was a self-trained engineer and machinist of sorts and was involved in the development of the Accusump oil system. He was in the air force when he bought the S1 which he actively auto crossed in the late 60?s. Having a taste for driving the car fast, he decided that he would try his hand in road racing. Unfortunately he blew the engine and then set upon restoring the car in the early 70?s. As he was restoring the car anyway, he got it in his head that he wanted to modify it to go faster, ergo the flairs and moulded in bumpers. He bought the S2 as a parts cars and mainly for the engine. Although the S2 was a well driving car at the time, he decided to completely disassemble that car as well. The old saying that man makes plans and god laughs comes into mind as the cars never made it back together. Years passed and a friend of his wanted to finish the job on the S2 so the car was sold, but never paid for. After several more years of sitting dismantled and the loss of interest by the second owner, Pete took the car back. I have to assume that many of the missing parts were lost at this time. Pete moved the cars and parts into a shed he built on a side of a mountain and they sat there until I found them in 2013.'

David

[Certified Lotus]

this is his email.

Craig Wilson

redelan6 (at) gmail.com

Thanks!