The Lotus Elan Series 4 represented the final major development of the standard Elan before the arrival of the Sprint. Introduced in 1968, the S4 retained the fundamental engineering principles that had made the Elan successful while incorporating a wide range of updates aimed at improving production efficiency, safety, comfort, and market appeal. Available in both Fixed Head Coupé (FHC) and Drop Head Coupé (DHC) forms, the Series 4 continued Lotus’s philosophy of combining lightweight construction with exceptional handling and performance.
The most visible change was the adoption of enlarged wheel arches designed to accommodate wider tyres. Beneath the surface, Lotus introduced numerous refinements to the electrical system, controls, braking system, safety equipment, and interior layout. These updates transformed the Elan from a highly specialized sports car into a more mature and civilized road car while preserving the qualities that made it famous.
History
By 1968 the Elan had become firmly established as one of the benchmark sports cars of its era. The Series 3 had introduced the Fixed Head Coupé and significantly improved refinement, but changing regulations, customer expectations, and export requirements demanded further evolution.
The Series 4 was introduced in March 1968 in both Fixed Head Coupé and Drop Head Coupé forms. While retaining the familiar Lotus backbone chassis, fiberglass body construction, and Twin Cam engine, the S4 introduced a variety of visual and mechanical changes. The most obvious external feature was the addition of flared wheel arches, allowing the use of wider 155×13 tyres and giving the car a more purposeful appearance.
The S4 also introduced revised rear lamp clusters with integrated reversing lights, rocker switches replacing earlier dashboard controls, two-speed wipers, electric windscreen washers, and a conversion to a negative-earth electrical system. Federal-market cars received additional safety equipment including dual-circuit brakes, headrests, fail-safe lighting systems, and emissions-control hardware.
During production, Lotus experimented with carburetion changes. Stromberg carburetors were introduced in late 1968 before Weber carburetors returned to production cars during 1969. These changes reflected Lotus’s efforts to satisfy emissions requirements and export market regulations while maintaining performance.
By the end of production, the Series 4 had become the most refined version of the standard Elan and provided the foundation upon which the Sprint would later be developed.
Production Notes
Series 4 production ran from 1968 through 1971 and represented one of the largest production runs of any Elan variant.
Approximately 2,976 to 3,000 examples were produced, making the S4 one of the most numerous members of the Elan family. Production included both Fixed Head Coupé and Drop Head Coupé models, as well as Special Equipment variants.
Production Summary
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Lotus Elan Series 4 |
| Production Years | 1968–1971 |
| Type Numbers | 36 (FHC), 45 (DHC) |
| Estimated Production | 2,976–3,000 |
| Engine | 1,558 cc Lotus Twin Cam |
| Variants | Standard and SE |
| Body Styles | FHC and DHC |
Major Production Milestones
| Date | Chassis | Event |
|---|---|---|
| March 1968 | 36/7895–7896 | S4 FHC introduced |
| March 1968 | 45/7895 | S4 DHC introduced |
| November 1968 | 45/8600 | Stromberg carburetors introduced |
| August 1969 | 36/9524 | Weber carburetors restored |
| August 1969 | 45/9524 | Weber carburetors restored |
| December 1969 | 36/9824 | Final S4 FHC under original numbering |
| December 1969 | 45/9823 | Final S4 DHC under original numbering |
| January 1970 | New VIN format | New unit numbering introduced |
A significant production change occurred on 1 January 1970 when Lotus adopted a new vehicle numbering system. This format encoded the year, month, batch, unit number, and vehicle type into a single chassis identifier.
Unit Numbers
Type Numbers
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type 36 | Fixed Head Coupé |
| Type 45 | Drop Head Coupé |
Chassis Ranges
| Model | Chassis Range |
|---|---|
| FHC | 36/7896–36/9824 |
| DHC | 45/7895–45/9823 |
VIN Suffix Codes (1970 Onward)
| Code | Variant |
|---|---|
| A | S4 FHC UK |
| B | S4 FHC Export |
| C | S4 DHC UK |
| D | S4 DHC Export |
| E | S4 SE FHC UK |
| F | S4 SE FHC Export |
| G | S4 SE DHC UK |
| H | S4 SE DHC Export |
| J | S4 FHC Federal |
| K | S4 DHC Federal |
These coding systems provide a useful method for identifying market specification and vehicle configuration.
Engines
The Series 4 continued to use the proven Lotus Twin Cam engine with a displacement of 1,558 cc. Standard cars typically produced approximately 105 bhp, while Special Equipment models increased output to approximately 115 bhp.
The engine underwent several changes during production, most notably the temporary adoption of Stromberg carburetors beginning in late 1968. These carburetors were intended to satisfy emissions and export requirements, particularly in the North American market. Weber carburetors returned to production during 1969.
Lotus also investigated a more powerful “Super S/E” specification rated at 124 bhp. Development testing revealed driveline limitations, particularly with the Rotoflex couplings, and the package never entered regular production.
Engine Summary
| Specification | Standard | SE |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,558 cc | 1,558 cc |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Power | 105 bhp | 115 bhp |
| Carburetors | Weber or Stromberg | Weber or Stromberg |
| Configuration | Lotus Twin Cam | Lotus Twin Cam |
Options
The Series 4 introduced numerous equipment upgrades and offered one of the most comprehensive option lists in Elan history.
Standard Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Flared Wheel Arches | Accommodated wider tyres |
| Rocker Switches | Replaced earlier controls |
| Revised Rear Lamps | Included reversing lights |
| Two-Speed Wipers | Improved visibility |
| Electric Washers | Standardized system |
| Negative Earth Electrical System | Modernized electrics |
| Wider Tyres | Improved grip |
Special Equipment (SE)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 115 bhp Engine | Increased performance |
| Vacuum Servo Brakes | Improved braking effort |
| Knock-On Wheels | Standard SE equipment |
| Radial Tyres | Enhanced road holding |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Interior upgrade |
| Carpeted Boot | Improved finish |
| Indicator Repeaters | Safety enhancement |
| Safety Belts | Included equipment |
The SE package remained the enthusiast’s choice and represented the highest-performance specification available in the standard Series 4 range.
Performance Data
The Series 4 maintained the Elan’s reputation for strong performance despite increasing regulatory requirements and equipment levels.
Contemporary Road Tests
| Source | Variant | 0–60 mph | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor (1970) | S4 | 7.3 sec | 120 mph |
| Autocar (1969) | S4 SE DHC | 7.8 sec | 124 mph |
| Road & Track (1969) | US S4 SE | 9.4 sec | 110 mph |
Autocar S4 SE Performance
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 0–30 mph | 3.0 sec |
| 0–40 mph | 4.3 sec |
| 0–50 mph | 6.0 sec |
| 0–60 mph | 7.8 sec |
| 0–80 mph | 13.9 sec |
| 0–100 mph | 23.3 sec |
Car Magazine S4 FHC Test
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 0–30 mph | 3.6 sec |
| 0–40 mph | 4.9 sec |
| 0–50 mph | 6.3 sec |
| 0–60 mph | 8.4 sec |
| 0–80 mph | 13.8 sec |
| 0–100 mph | 22.6 sec |
Fuel economy remained one of the Elan’s strengths, with contemporary tests reporting overall consumption figures ranging from approximately 25 to 30 mpg.
Technical Data
General Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | Lotus Twin Cam |
| Capacity | 1,558 cc |
| Wheelbase | 84 in |
| Overall Length | 145–145.5 in |
| Width | 56 in |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Steering | Rack and pinion |
| Brakes | Four-wheel discs |
Weight Summary
| Model | Weight |
|---|---|
| FHC Standard | 1,540 lb |
| FHC SE | 1,550 lb |
| DHC Standard | 1,530 lb |
| DHC SE | 1,540 lb |
Series 4 Identification Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wheel Arches | Enlarged and flared |
| Dashboard | Rocker switches |
| Rear Lamps | Integrated reversing lamps |
| Electrical System | Negative earth |
| Wipers | Two-speed |
| Washer System | Electric |
| Bonnet | Power bulge on Stromberg cars |
| Safety Equipment | Expanded for Federal markets |
These features make the Series 4 one of the easiest Elans to distinguish visually from earlier models.
Library Items
Advertisements
See all Lotus Elan Advertisements
Brochures
See all Lotus Elan Brochures
Magazines
See all Lotus Elan Magazine Articles
Memorabilia
See all Lotus Elan Memorabilia