1969 Elan S4 SOLD (United States)

[Certified Lotus]

1969 Lotus Elan S4 SOLD!

I bought this 1969 Lotus Elan (VIN 45/7941) last year from a Lotus enthusiast who was intending on restoring the car over the last 35 years but never completed it. This Elan came off the Lotus production line June 18, 1968. This low mileage Elan had a blown engine in 1979 when the previous owner bought it. At that time, he sourced a 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint big valve engine (T25291) and transmission and had the engine completely rebuild with a weber head built by Jerry Mong. The prefix T is for "Big Valve". The block is stamped 701M6015 which is noted as being a sought after block for competition engines. Information from the Lotus-Cortina website on the 701M 6015 block states: ?Something rather special, reputedly of Ford Germany origin probably for the Escort T/C. Only made as an ?L? block, a meatier casting altogether, with big square main caps, the best basis for a competition engine, and much sought after. Many were used with 81mm bores towards the end of Ford?s engine exchange scheme for the 1500cc Cortina, so you know where to look!?

The previous owner had intended to make a tribute Elan Sprint by building a weber head engine and buying a flat bonnet (instead of the bulge for Federal cars with Stromberg carbs). I have the Sprint stripe decals in gold and they will come with the car (not installed).

The previous owner had some fiberglass repair work professionally done on the left side front and rear fenders. He also had removed and glassed over the side marker lights on the fenders as he didn't like the look of them (I agree). Then the car was resprayed the current red color. Typical Elan door fit isn't perfect, but most are that way as the body molds from Lotus were known to have issues.

The car has been stored in a dry garage for more than 35 years when I bought it. The original title showed 12,000 miles when the previous owner bought the car in 1979 but the odometer and new title says 8,331 as the speedo was replaced.

During the last year I have completely rebuilt the Elan S4 with a "cost no object" philosophy sourcing as many period parts as possible and finished the long stalled restoration. The wiring harness has been replaced behind the dash and in the engine bay with a British Wiring Elan harness. The generator and starter have been rebuilt professionally. Tach rebuilt by Nisonger Instruments. New fuse box and voltage regulator. New clutch master cylinder as well as slave cylinder. Weber carb fuel lines replaced with braided lines. Weber carbs completely rebuilt and re-jetted. Engine pulled and replaced all freeze plugs, flushed water jacket in block. Heater box flushed. Radiator dipped and repainted. Engine tuned, valves adjusted, new points and plugs. New windshield trim. New AVO front and rear shocks (the OEM shocks were new 35 years ago but didn't survive sitting that long). New SS exhaust muffler, headers and pipe. Steering rack rebuilt. All fluids drained, flushed and replaced. New tonneau cover included but never installed, needs to have the snaps installed and fitted. No soft top but the frame for the soft top is on the car. Interior completely redone with carpets, seat covers and new dash. I had the bonnet and front end of car resprayed to match the entire car (the color was off) as well as the entire car wet sanded to bring the color out with a very nice finish. Paint is ten foot quality, not a concours finish. Everything on the Elan functions as it should and all the locks have keys that fit. As you can tell from the photo's every inch of this car has been restored and rebuilt.

This Elan presents its former glory, is a typical Lotus with marvelous handling and the drive is well complemented with lots of power from the big valve sprint engine.

It is now ready for its new owner for years of sports car driving enjoyment.

$38,500 (No trades. Cash only.)

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[Certified Lotus]

Some additional Photos:

[tedtaylor]

I've been following Glen's blog on the restoration of this car and we've all been amazed at the quality and thoroughness of his work. I was delighted to see it in-person at LOG36 this year in Princeton where it was well received. If someone's looking for long term Elan ownership without worry of repairs or restoration, then this is the car to buy. Beautiful car!
Good luck with the sale Glen.

[seniorchristo]

I have worked with Drew and Glen at Glen's garage and I'm always impressed by their quality workmanship and attention to detail. I wouldn't be afraid to recommend this car to my own brother (I just might)

[Certified Lotus]

Thanks guys. Greatly appreciate your complements. As you know, I don't take short cuts and am patient with my work on these wonderful cars.

[Briggs1]

Looks good!

Curious who did the dash? How does it compare to OEM in terms of appearances?

I need to source one myself and trying to find the most original possible.

Thanks,
Briggs

[Certified Lotus]

Thanks. The dash was made in CA many years ago and the builder had to be convinced to do the lettering. Unfortunately I don't have the contact info.

[rgh0]

Looks good!

Curious who did the dash? How does it compare to OEM in terms of appearances?

I need to source one myself and trying to find the most original possible.

Thanks,
Briggs

It looks very close to the original to me in terms of colour, grain and lettering. Except that Lotus did not match the grain on the glove box with the rest of the dash on all of the original dash i have seen

cheers
Rohan

[exige012]

Location?

[Certified Lotus]

Princeton, NJ

[exige012]

Any chance your bringing it to Brits at the beach tomorrow in Oceangrove? i would love to have a look!

[Certified Lotus]

Sorry, full weekend restoring a 72 Europa I just bought. You are welcome to come to Princeton.

[Certified Lotus]

Left my house today. On to my next Lotus rebuild project