1967 Lotus Elan Coupe

The Lotus Elan was introduced in October 1962 as a complete car or a self-assembled kit at a reduced price. The rack-and-pinion steering was from the Triumph Vitesse, stopping was via four-wheel Girling disc brakes, and the suspension was independent at the front (unequal-length wishbones) while the rear was a wide-based lower wishbone setup and modified Chapman Strut. Beneath the bonnet was a modified 1,498cc (later 1,558cc) Ford Cortina engine with Lotus's twin-camshaft cylinder head. The differential and gearbox was also sourced from Ford.

The S3 version arrived in September 1965, bringing a fixed-head coupe body style for the first time (previously only offered as a drophead with an optional separate hardtop). Additional improvements included a re-designed dashboard and better trim, and electric windows.

This particular 1967 Lotus Elan Coupe has been in single ownership for nearly four decades. The current caretaker acquired the Lotus from UK dealer and marque champion, Paul Matty Sports Cars, which has since become part of Clive Chapman's Classic Team Lotus. Since that time, the car has been updated with an improved chassis by Spyder Limited of Peterborough, UK. The engine was rebuilt by a specialist shortly after his acquisition, and the head was updated with SE cams and big valves, boosting output to approximately 125 bhp.

This Lotus wears a red exterior over a black interior.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2024