New purchase 1967 Elan S3 DHC

PostPost by: lotustastic » Fri Apr 02, 2021 2:32 am

Hello,

I have been a member/lurker for some time who has been trying to finish a 1968 S3 SS coupe project for years. I greatly enjoy the wealth of information and camaraderie amongst Lotus enthusiasts. Reading this forum and stories, I have become so eager to drive one that I couldn’t pass up purchasing this beautiful original 67’ Elan S3 DHC in Lotus Yellow. The VIN is 45/6124. It seems that its largely original and well preserved such as dash, steering wheel, tool roll, tonneau cover, lucas fuses, etc. These fine driving cars are so fun and Im looking forward to learning much more here as I run it through the paces. Its had quite a bit of refreshing on brakes, carbs, clutch, plugs, etc after being in long term storage to get it roadworthy. Although with 54 yr old doughnuts, they will be the first thing I renew. I intend to keep it original down to the generator.

Cheers,

David D.
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PostPost by: StressCraxx » Fri Apr 02, 2021 4:06 am

Wow, what a wonderful time capsule! I hope you enjoy driving it.
There is no cure for Lotus, only treatment.
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PostPost by: Billmack » Fri Apr 02, 2021 4:39 am

That's a lovely car. I hope you enjoy it for a long time
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PostPost by: Mazzini » Fri Apr 02, 2021 5:56 am

I can only echo the comments of earlier posters :-) It's a beauty!
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PostPost by: ericbushby » Fri Apr 02, 2021 7:11 am

A beautiful car and looks to be in lovely condition.
I see why you could not miss it.
It`s the one to have.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3 DHC
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PostPost by: gjz30075 » Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:39 am

Congratulations, now you won't get any work done on the Coupe.
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45/7286 S3 SE DHC
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PostPost by: m750rider » Fri Apr 02, 2021 11:23 am

Nice, the Lotus yellow is such great color.

It even still has the original windshield washer fluid bottle in place - cool. I thought mine was pretty original but this one beats it for sure.

I'm not bothered by the rubber donuts - I replaced mine many years ago, I guess when they were still made well enough and have had no trouble with them, although I store the car inside all year, maybe that helps. And you get used to how they drive and react. I'm the second owner of mine and have had it since 1973 so they seem normal to me.

Good luck with yours..

Bob
1969 S4 SE
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PostPost by: TBG » Fri Apr 02, 2021 11:29 am

You have joined the exclusive S3 owners club - Well Done!! Also so nice to see some mud by your rear wheel - means it is being used properly!!

Note the gravel road and mud!! - Spain.

Spain 2012 168 - Copy.JPG and
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PostPost by: SENC » Fri Apr 02, 2021 1:45 pm

Great looking car! Congratulations.
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PostPost by: Elan45 » Fri Apr 02, 2021 2:12 pm

Welcome David,

My first Elan was/ is a Super Safety dhc, in 1974. It shares garage space with my pre-airflow coupe, which is just about ready to have the body refitted to the original chassis in a full restoration. I drove the coupe while my SS was being restored 1978-84. I also have another dhc, modified by its original owner to 26R spec when nearly new. I've had it since 1984 and it is to be next on the roll around for its restoration. This last one is only about 25 units later than your new acquisition.

I replaced the donuts in the coupe with the high quality ones available back in the early 80's and I will be re-installing them.

Roger
Last edited by Elan45 on Sun Apr 04, 2021 1:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
'67 Elan S3 SS DHC
'67 Elan FHC pre-airflow
'67 Elan S3 SE upgrade to 26R by Original owner
'58 Eleven S2 (ex-works)
'62 20/22 FJ (ex-Yamura)
'70 Elan +2S RHD
'61 20 FJ project
'76 Modus M1 F3
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Fri Apr 02, 2021 2:21 pm

Very nice well done.
I'm still running Doughnuts on my Sprint and Generator and Lucas Starter.
But i don't thrash just enjoy it :wink: :wink:
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
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PostPost by: The Veg » Sun Apr 04, 2021 7:42 pm

Congrats David! Looks like a wonderful cat!

PS- we met at LOG 37; I enjoyed the conversation!
1970 Elan Plus 2 (not S) 50/2036
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PostPost by: lotustastic » Mon Apr 05, 2021 12:36 pm

Thank you all for the comments, much appreciated.

The Veg, I do remember you at Log 37 and enjoyed it as well!

What a fantastic time, I spent most of the weekend on short drives through twisties getting used to her and recognize how wonderfully balanced these cars are. Its amazing how comfortable and compliant the ride is to cruise but how incredible the handling is at any speed it seems! Wow! Some tuning to do to give her a more crisp throttle and better idle, but Lotus tinkering is part of the fun.

Cheers,

David D.
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