Page 1 of 1

S1 / Early S2 lights - LHD European spec

PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 10:58 am
by Frogelan
Can anyone help me with a suitably obscure question ?

I own a wrecked 1965 S1 1/2 Elan that went to the States (LHD fed spec) and originally had the round rear lights.

It will end up on the road here in France and I will refit the round lights.

However, should I opt for the UK spec lamp which is the larger Lucas 551 model (53819A)) which incorporates a reflector or the smaller Lucas 692 (53955B or 54296) lamps + a Lucas RER 31 reflector ?

What was originally fitted for the French market ?

Many thanks

Re: S1 / Early S2 lights - LHD European spec

PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 12:04 pm
by nmauduit
Just to clarify your question, I believe "federal" specs only started in 1967, so a 1965 S2 may be a LHD car, probably not "federal" (unless it somehow happened later).

Re: S1 / Early S2 lights - LHD European spec

PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:40 pm
by Frogelan
To "clarify" further...did cars sold in France have identical stop / rear lights and indicators like the US cars or like the UK cars...

I have studied "Robinshaw & Ross" are this is unclear...

Re: S1 / Early S2 lights - LHD European spec

PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 2:01 pm
by knockoffnut
I believe that earliest S1 and some S1 1/2 Elans were built at the factory with the smaller round lights (L538/L539) with the small "finger fins" to screw in the lens, while some later S1 and S1 1/2 Elans left the factory with the larger "mini" style (691/692) round lights with two screws holding the lens. My research tells me that both styles were correct factory fitment on various later S1 cars. Both styles are available as new replicas now. Please jump in if you have definitive knowledge as I am looking to put my own S1 back to original spec as well.

Re: S1 / Early S2 lights - LHD European spec

PostPosted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 7:26 am
by Olympicblue
Hello,

You can find your answer in the part manual : same as U.K. cars and it is more beautiful ;-).

Is your car running ?

Damien

Re: S1 / Early S2 lights - LHD European spec

PostPosted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 8:04 am
by Frogelan
Thank you Damien. That is an inspired reply!

No my car is still in wreck format. The engine is being rebuilt in Suffolk. The gearbox is about to be created...The chassis and body need to be replaced...but I have most of the "4 corners", the electrics, brakes, instruments etc sorted out.

Essentially I am starting from components and working towards the body/chassis last!

Andrew

Re: S1 / Early S2 lights - LHD European spec

PostPosted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 7:43 pm
by Olympicblue
Do you rebuilt it to originale spec ?

Damien

Re: S1 / Early S2 lights - LHD European spec

PostPosted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 6:57 pm
by Bill
Gents

My Elan 1600, 26/0538 (pre S1 labeled) has the origional Lucas 692/693 tail light assembles. The car started its life in December '63 and was shipped to me from the factory in March '64.

Bill