1969 Lotus Elan Identification

[phillmurphy]

Hi
I have recently inherited from my father a !969 Lotus Elan what I understand to be a S4 SE DHC.
From the information of engine number and Vin No. (vehicle Identification number) listed below, can this be confirmed?

Engine No. H-16942-B (marked as a "Big Valve" head
Vin No. 36 / 8375

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Phill

[Ray419G]

Phill,

Starting with the unit number (VIN) the 36 prefix indicates that the car started off life as a Fixed Head Coupe, while 8375 indicates that the car was constructed sometime in mid to late 1968; others on this site might be able to give a more exact date.
Quite a lot of FHCs have been converted to DHCs, provided the conversion has been done to a good standard it shouldn't be a problem but might reduce the cars value very slightly compared to a factory original DHC.
The engine number is interesting as it is my understanding that H prefix relates to a “Super S/E'' spec, which I believe is rare, most Elans at the time were either Standard or Special Equipment specification. Big valve heads didn't arrive for another couple of years on production cars, but many earlier cars have been upgraded to this standard, or the later big valve heads have been fitted.

Ray.

[phillmurphy]

Thanks for the reply Ray.
From my further investigations on the Lotus Registry, "8375" had a build date of October 24 1968, however, was original fitted with "C" suffix engine and engine no. 16992 (Green cam cover).
Looks very likely and engine swap to Big Valve (vehicle has Black + ribbed cam cover), will need to confirm the engine block marking.
Very interesting review "so far", greatly appreciate your assistance.
Onward, the vehicle is still being brought to roadworthiness and formal registration by the local authorities. Eager to check the vehicle, to qualify the details available to-date.
Cheers

Phill

[rgh0]

Check with Club Lotus Australia in Sydney as they will probably have further knowledge of the car and its history.

cheers
Rohan

[phillmurphy]

Many thanks Rohan
I am already in contact with Club Lotus Australia, they have a detailed search listing on their website, which I have recovered information sofar

regards

Phill

[rgh0]

My car is 36/8555 and was invoiced form the factory in August 1968. Lotus numbering was haphazard so it certainly possible that your earlier number had a later build date. Do you have a bonnet bulge? as all cars out of the factory at that time had that bulge even if fitted with Webers to accomodate the Strombergs going on US cars and the planned change to Strombergs for UK cars in 1969.

cheers
Rohan

[h20hamelan]

both my Elan's were not registered in Canada for at least a year after building.
One built in early 67 is a 69, the other late 67 is a 70. Both correctly registered now, 67 & 68.

[phillmurphy]

Rohan
Thanks, there is no bonnet bulge, but is fitted with 2 x 40dcoe Webbers
Phill

[phillmurphy]

h20hamelan

Thanks, I am presently processing registration here in Australia. I understand it has been registered here locally, but expired more than 10 years ago.
Cheers
Phill

[vstibbard]

Hi Phil drop me a PM and I’ll connect you with the Club Lotus Aust registrar.
Cheers Vaughan

[mwhitaker]

My 69 Elan DHC 45/8396 was invoiced from the factory in Oct 68 as a Federal version with bonnet bulge as per Stromberg equipment-interesting that Rohan's car has an earlier invoice date but later chassis #. Record keeping seems a bit erratic back in the day... only adds to the charm.

Mark Whitaker