Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I don't suppose any kind soul has a PDF of the owners handbook for an S4?

Just bought a dhc, which came with all the car's history, workshop manual, parts book, but no owners handbook.

Thanks in advance.

Sorry for a bit of selfish/egocentric self-PR, I know you ask for a PDF, but I got a few physical ones for sale:
https://shop.lotus-books.com/Lotus-Elan ... dbook-1970

Technically people would be violating Lotus's copyright by making & passing on a PDF of their literature.

billwill wrote:Technically people would be violating Lotus's copyright by making & passing on a PDF of their literature.

Yes that's probably so, but it hasn't stopped many other old vehicle sites making such publications available. Do Lotus still sell copies of the original handbooks? If not then I'm of the view that pragmatism might be the best response. It's not as if the information contained in the handbook is of much more than amusement value at this point in time.

billwill wrote:Technically people would be violating Lotus's copyright by making & passing on a PDF of their literature.

Bill,
I am not sure that Lotus would be able to claim they had a copyright over documents of that age. The copyright laws make reference to 'creative work', and the 'publisher of the document'. I am no legal expert, and it would be interesting to know what basis Lotus would be able to claim copyright, and how long that copyright would last.

Are there any IP lawyers who are forum members?

I've often wondered why the owners handbooks are not listed on the Wiki pages on here. We have the workshop manual, parts book, various brochures and magazine articles, all of which could potentially still be covered by a copyright. So why not the handbooks (is it because they're still in print?)?

Copyright is valid for 70 years after death of the "creator", which is usually an author.
Not sure about companies thou.

As far as "creative work" is regarded, "creative" is not such a strict criterium as you and me would like to think.
Many artists would fail on the that ...
But even a new way to list or sort items can be creative, so low bar there ...

I didn't mean to cause a legal debate....I only wanted to know how to operate the car.

If anyone has a PDF they can share then if be really grateful.

Zlinster wrote:I didn't mean to cause a legal debate....I only wanted to know how to operate the car.
...

Well, when you sit in the car on the driver side (you were able to open the door ?), the big round thing in front of is for steering (go left or right), the more you turn it, the car will too.
In the foot well you got three pedals you operate with the feet. Left is the clutch ....

Sorry, i couldn't resist ....

PM me, please.

Haha!

Actually, it's the silly stuff, like how to fold the hood, etc....

And it's nice to have a copy in the car when I lend it to chums.

But I know what you mean!

I have just done a very quick scan of an Elan Sprint Owners Handbook for you. Very slight differences between S4 and Sprint. Sent via PM - I hope!

Tim

Hi All,

I have a similar requirement - I’m trying to track down a handbook (or scan) for a ‘72 Sprint I’ve recently bought.

Many thanks for any assistance getting to know my first Elan

Cadence, I shall send you a PM. The file is large so needs sending via e-mail.

My scan is from my own 1972 Sprint handbook, so entirely correct for your car.

Tim

Note that I said "technically" that would violate Lotus copyright. I recall seeing somewhere long ago, a notice saying the documents are Copyright Lotus ... etc. but I don't remember where. In the UK all publications are automatically copyright, without actually needing a Copyright Declaration (I'm pretty sure of that).

However I don't think that Lotus have ever sued anyone for copying, though I'm pretty sure they have the right to do so.

While not a copyright-lawyer I used to study the rules very carefully in respect of software and they are all covered by the same Acts.

Thank you Tim & Bill for the feedback - much appreciated.

In my search for a reasonably priced handbook (unsuccessful so far) I came across a number of old posts that suggested some Lotus dealers were selling cheap handbook reprints at shows. Assume that Lotus Cars didn’t step in then?

I did call a Lotus dealer who said the part is no longer available so it would be unreasonable iMO if Lotus were unduly upset if owners found alternative sources of information to keep their cars in good fettle?

BTW - great feedback and support from this forum. Like many enthusiasts, I’ve belonged to a number of car and bike forums and so often they get bogged down with unnecessary unpleasantries. It’s refreshing to find a group that stays focussed on the ownership of great vehicles.

Cheers