new member wants dhc project

[jimj]

Well Bill largely true but I`d disagree on some points. S3s are widely considered more desirable than S4s for some reason, and drop heads are definitely more valuable by at least 10%, nearer 20%. +2s are only worth around half as much, like for like.
Basket case restorations are for those who value the pleasure of restoring a car with no expectation of recouping the cost in the short term. A good Elan will cost over ?20k and will still be the most cost effective option. Anything below ?15k will be needing paintwork and this is the single most expensive item, taking the cost over the ?20k mark.
On the other hand you can still buy a running Elan with MOT for less than ?15k. It`ll be a bit tatty but you can enjoy a running restoration, doing work as and when time and funds allow. Personally, I prefer to see a tired and well used old car than a concourse trailer queen.
Jim

[Elanconvert]

Bill
Thank you indeed for a most helpful post - exactly what I'd been hoping for!
I can start looking seriously now!
[I and yes I coined the term 'elanorak' ..at least I've never heard it before... could there be any on this forum? ]

What do you guys think of this one;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1970-LOTUS-EL ... 2c70fe104a

might go and try it out when i get back from holiday.....what main things should I look out for when test driving/inspecting?

[billwill]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1970-LOTUS-EL ... 2c70fe104a

Ok, Definitely an S4 because:

Date: 1970, S4s started in March 1968
Squared Wheel Arches
Rocker Switches on the panel (gone grey, but fixes are mentioned in this forum)
Rectangularish rear light clusters (S3 have oval ones and earlier cars have round lights)
Hoop thingy for the door lock.


~~~~~
Stromberg Carburettors & hence Stromberg head.

Description looks accurate and seems truthful.

Incidentally you can see the wheel embellisher mentioned above + Shiny Chrome rims just inside the tyre's inner diameter. The chromed three corner lug you can see is on most Elans, it is called a Knock-Off Wheel Spinner.

Odometer reads 05994 which is too low to match the description so it has either gone once (or twice) around the clock or it is a replacement speedometer. (both are true of my car )


I think the asking price of ?18,000 is a bit high, but I see that the seller has put in an OFFERS button, so he is only hoping to get as much as that.

[billwill]

Re JimJ's message above, I was not very sure about relative prices of S3 and S4 so it may well be that the earlier models now cost more on average.


You can have a look on this value pricing site at the various Elans
http://apps.hagerty.com/ukvaluation/ind ... Backlink=1

Some of us think that the low end pricing is rather inaccurate due to inadequate data, but the Good through Concours values quoted do seem roughly what we expected.

[richardcox_lotus]

I think that looks a nice car on the photos.

"Tidy".

Price may be on the high side as you will probably - if you are looking to keep the car for a while - going to have to refurbish or change the chassis at some point. Bodywork looks good but until you see it in the flesh it's difficult to say. Engine bay shows attention to detail - no pics if any suspension components.

It all seems to be there except an original steering wh??l.

It'll be interesting to see what the final price fetches.

Regards
Richard

[Mazzini]

I am fortunate enough to have both a S3 and a S4, I don't think one is better than the other, but Lotus built more S4's than S3's, the S3 was the last Elan Lotus cars developed before they had to satisfy US Federal regulations. In my opinion a decent S3 is harder to find than the equivalent S4.

As for Stormberg carbs, I personally don't think they devalue a car, I've spoken to several respected race engine builders and they've all said that Strombergs work really well on road cars perhaps better than Webers, but they don't have the same kudos.

I don't think Lotus built a bad Elan, but as some of our fellow posters have pointed out, for various reasons, some Elan's are more sought after than others.

Have you thought about attending a Club Lotus meeting? You could see a few cars and talk to the owners.

[AHM]

Hey Fred, I 'm only suggesting you know what you are looking at when you spend your money. It is the value of the bits that aren't there....... Not the necessity or correctness of them.

The term Elanorak has been in use for years.

[billwill]

Here's a topic on this forum showing an S3 in good condition.

You won't want this one yourself as it is LHD and in the USA.

lotuselan-for-sale-f2/1966-elan-dhc-for-sale-t29037.html

[Elanconvert]

I would like to a big thank you to all you guys, especially Bill and Richard, for your valuable help and contributions...
I'm off to see a S4 dhc at the weekend, and will let everyone know if I join you lucky elan owners.....
Fred

[ginetta]

Fred I may know you? I have had 4 Ginetta's a G21s, G4s4, G15 ending with a G33V8 but now have two little boys wanting rear seats. So I'm looking for a Plus 2 but may just go for a cheaper more reliable alternative such as a Stag or Scimitar as could be a long search otherwise? Shame Ginetta didn't build plus 2 cars? (don't mention the G26/G31)!
Harvey

[Elanconvert]

Hello Harvey
Yes I know OF you anyway! I don't think we've met......
I'm responsible for the turbocharged/fuel injected G15 which has featured in Newsmag a couple of times....
Welcome to the elan forum [if a new boy is allowed to]...
very helpful bunch of chaps, and loads of info on the site......
Also. like the Free Parking jokes - kept me chuckling for hours - shame the GOC forum isn't more like this one!!!
If I were looking for a +2, I would certainly go for an elan, rather than a Stag for example. Maybe I'm biased towards plastic cars [Except that having owned a Scimitar I would certainly not recommend one....]
Btw, guys, I have now an 'agreed sale' on a S4 SE to Sprint spec., and will post details shortly......
Fred

[billwill]

I used to have a Scimitar too, huge engine, high fuel consumption. Made a good tow vehicle for our diving RIB, but it was difficult to work on with a cramped engine compartment and the huge wheel arches in the back made for very low luggage capacity.

Eventually alas, I bumped it into a vehicle ahead of me that stopped too abruptly as a zebra crossing & eventually I sold it as a non-runner to a guy who wanted some of the parts.

[Elanconvert]

Have to agree, Bill.
I sold my Scimitar to the friend of a friend [risky!] and sure enough after a couple of months it caught fire and ended up as a pool of melted plastic. The good thing was I had negotiated a very generous 'agreed value', so he did quite well out of the deal. I often wonder if he didn't torch it deliberately......!!!???? Nah
Fred

[Elanconvert]

hello again guys..
looking at a S4 dhc, which is showing signs of water pump trouble....i.e. significant play in the bearings!!!!
I have been trying to get an estimate of the cost of replacing this which I understand is an engine out, head and sump off job......can anyone give me a ball park figure for such a job by a specialist [not sure I could attempt it as my first job on an elan.....]
it has also been suggested that while the engine is out, I might as well overhaul the bottom end, since there is some oil being used, and the engine has done 50k+ miles sice lasr rebore.....again a ball park figure would be useful - also it might need a new crank, possibly liners, etc........
thanks in advance!
fred