Lotus Elan

S2 Lenham Hardtop VS Factory Hardtop are they different ?

PostPost by: huggy59 » Thu Sep 28, 2023 3:41 pm

Could you let me know if they are both same shape same or differents?

It seems Lenham one have increased rear perspex than factory one is that exact? and is it the only difference ?

Trying to find differences with online pics ...but I'm more and more confused !!

Thanks for your help !
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PostPost by: trw99 » Thu Sep 28, 2023 5:38 pm

I believe the Lenham top was only available for the S4 and Sprint.

The factory style hardtops for the S2 are available, from Tony Thompson.

Tim
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PostPost by: huggy59 » Thu Sep 28, 2023 5:53 pm

I’m in touch with seller who describe it as a 70’s s2 Lenham hardtop (no doubt about S2 with door glass curve).
Seems he bought it directly in period from Lenham.
But photos do not show differences to my eyes..
Will try to post pics.
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PostPost by: Elan45 » Sun Oct 01, 2023 1:51 am

I bought a hardtop from Lenham many years ago to fit my S3. There were issues with the fit which caused me to sell the HT and buy an available pre-airflow FHC.

Look at the side windows. the S1 and S2 have different shaped side window from the S3, S4 and Sprint. The shape is very evident . It can be thought of lift up windows versus electric lift.

Roger
'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: Elan45 » Sun Oct 01, 2023 2:09 pm

There is no 70's S2 hard top. S2 production ended before 1967 and any 70's Elan is a S4 or Sprint.
Even S3 production ended late '67 or early '68

Roger
'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: RobertMaulden » Mon Oct 02, 2023 1:16 pm

Lenham were selling S2 hardtops (based on the factory) well into the 1980's

I bought one from them circa 1987 / 8 (visited the factory to collect) However, it didn't come with any fixings (unlike the TTR hardtop does now) & my home made attempts failed on the way to Castle Combe for a Club Lotus track day!

This was on the Oxford By-Pass dual carriageway, & one second I was driving along nice & snug, the next second I was in the open air & the top was bouncing down the road (with traffic scattering to avoid it!!)

A mile or so further on I was able to double back, & made sure the top was on the grass by the roadside & well out of harms way. I then went back home to get my everyday car, & returned to collect the top, then took it home (gave up on the CL event)

After a while I decided that it was a write off, & bought a replacement from TTR (with the correct fixings) which I am still using (after having it painted silver by Paul Matty) to this day
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PostPost by: huggy59 » Sun Oct 08, 2023 6:31 pm

This is my S2 Lenham hardtop:

Image
Image

If rear "L" bracket are present to use with "J" clamp there is absolutly no fitting bracket/stud for front.
Image

Could you confirm it must not be used only with windscreen lip ?

I will use this sort of inner coating...not very period correct but better than the fiberglass finish
Image
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PostPost by: huggy59 » Mon Nov 06, 2023 9:00 am

Few progress.
Perhaps those pics will help other owners in futur

Image

Image

Image
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PostPost by: USA64 » Mon Nov 06, 2023 3:32 pm

I love that Elan45"s solution to an ill-fitting top was to buy one with the car already attached! :lol:
We are supposed to be having fun, are we not?
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