Ok, I ran down to the local parts store and Cardone is still selling the 1968-71 Mustang Wiper motors. Pep Boys had them for $54, but paid $20 more because I have problem with instant gratification and wanted it now lol.
First thing I noticed was that the "can" was the same in diameter and was identical, except that it was about 1/2 inch longer. Lotus on right, Mustang on left.
I then pulled the Mustang wiper motor apart and saw that the armature was longer, but the critical component to me was the screw drive which was identical to the Lotus and the distance between the stator where the brushes contact the armature to the tip of the screw was the exact same. Thanks to Henry Ford and his mass production techniques. The windings of the Mustang motor was much bigger, so I assume this motor will have more power and speed in pulling the window up, which is a good thing..... I hope.
I dropped the armature into the Lotus Head unit, carefully making sure to clear the brushes, and it sat in perfectly. Gave it a twist, and no grinding, no hard spots, just nice and smooth operation. The Mustang can had aluminum bolts compared with the steel Lotus ones to hold the can in place, so I was very careful not to strip them out. But the threads and position of the bolts matched with the Lotus head.
I should have pulled out the manual and to find out how the unit was suppose to be powered, but I had already explained my need for instant gratification, so I connected a battery charger to the negative ground pin, and the positive to one of the green/red wires, but no joy. I then reconnected the positive to the other double green wire from the unit and still no joy. The only combination I had left was connecting the negative to the single green wire and the positive to the double wire and success!!!!, the motor began turning like a Dutch windmill. Not too slow, not too fast, and with alot of torque. I reversed the polarity and it starting turning in the opposite direction. The window lift motor is now operational. The only thing that may pose a problem with this repair would the additional 1/2 inch length. I looked at pictures I took during the door strip down and see that I may just have enough room to clear the extended motor. If not, I do not remember anything behind the motor in the door, so all I would have to do is grind a small bit of the fiberglass away to clear the motor.
I am very happy with this solution. Needless to say, I am sure these wiper motors are available much cheaper in salvage yards as the fitment for these motors range through many years and numerious models, Mustangs, Torinos, Galaxies, etc. I am also thinking that they may be a exact motor out there that I had not found yet. I basically went on Ebay and searched for any wiper motor in the period. Maybe power seats? But I am sure that I was not the first one to go through this process, so if anyone out there knows what other motors are available in abundaant supplies in the US, please post. But for now, I hope this may help other Elan owners looking for a solution. Best regards Allan