Lotus Elan (1962-75)
Overview: The **Lotus Elan** was a groundbreaking model for **Lotus Cars**, playing a crucial role in shaping the company’s identity and engineering philosophy. Introduced in **1962**, it became one of the most influential sports cars of its era.
**Significance to Lotus**
- **Innovative Engineering**: The Elan was the first Lotus road car to use a **steel backbone chassis** with a **fiberglass body**, a design approach that influenced Lotus models for decades.
- **Lightweight Performance**: At approximately **680 kg**, the Elan embodied **Colin Chapman’s philosophy** of minimal weight and maximum agility.
- **Technological Advancements**: It featured a **DOHC 1,558cc engine**, **four-wheel disc brakes**, and **rack-and-pinion steering**, making it one of the most advanced sports cars of its time.
- **Commercial Success**: The Elan helped establish Lotus as a **leading sports car manufacturer**, proving that lightweight construction and precision handling could rival more powerful competitors.
- **Influence on Future Models**: The Elan’s engineering principles were carried forward into later Lotus models, including the **Lotus Esprit** and **Lotus Elise**.
- **Motorsport Legacy**: While primarily a road car, the Elan’s performance capabilities made it a favorite among racing enthusiasts.
The Elan remains a **quintessential British sports car**, admired for its **pure driving experience** and **engineering brilliance**. You can also check out more details [here](https://www.lotuscars.com/en-GB/lotus-story/road-cars/elan).
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Production Total: 12,224
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Price New: The Lotus Elan, introduced in 1962, was priced at approximately £1,495 in the UK at the time. This price made it a relatively affordable sports car, especially considering its innovative design and performance.
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Sales: The **Lotus Elan** was a significant **sales success** for **Lotus Cars**. Produced between **1962 and 1975**, it became one of the most iconic British sports cars of its era.
**Sales & Market Impact**
- **Strong Demand**: The Elan was praised for its **lightweight construction**, **handling**, and **performance**, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
- **Production Numbers**: Over **17,000 units** of the original Elan were sold, a remarkable achievement for a specialist sports car manufacturer.
- **Influence on Future Models**: The Elan’s success helped establish Lotus as a **leading sports car brand**, influencing later models like the **Lotus Esprit** and **Lotus Elise**.
- **Motorsport Legacy**: Its agility and engineering excellence made it popular in **racing and rallying**, further boosting its reputation.
The Elan remains a **highly collectible classic**, admired for its **pure driving experience** and **engineering brilliance**. You can explore more details [here](https://www.lotuscars.com/en-GB/lotus-story/road-cars/elan) and [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Elan). Would you like to compare its sales figures with its rivals from the same era?
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Historical Pricing Comparisons:
The **Lotus Elan** has seen fluctuating values over the years, reflecting its rarity and appeal among classic car enthusiasts. Based on recent valuation sources:
- **Lowest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£5,750**.
- **Highest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£51,515**.
- **Median price** for an Elan in average condition: **£20,368**.
- **Total sales value** since 2020: **£1,168,229**.
- **Sell-through rate**: **72%**, indicating strong demand in the collector market.
These figures suggest that the Elan remains a sought-after classic, with values influenced by condition, provenance, and market demand. If you're looking for a more detailed valuation or historical trends, platforms like **The Classic Valuer** provide insights into pricing comparisons over time.
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Rivals:
In 1962, the Lotus Elan faced competition from several sports cars in the UK market. Here are some approximate prices of its rivals at the time:
- **MGB**: Around £850.
- **Triumph TR4**: Approximately £968.
- **Austin-Healey 3000**: Around £1,107.
- **Jaguar E-Type**: Starting at £1,867.
These cars offered a range of features and performance levels, making the sports car market quite diverse.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **1,113 Lotus Elan cars** from various years still recorded in the UK with valid MOTs. This includes different variants of the Elan, such as the S1, S2, and Sprint models. It's remarkable how many of these classic cars have been preserved over the decades.
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The **Lotus Elan**, produced from **1962 to 1975**, was a remarkable sports car known for its lightweight construction and agile handling. Here are some common faults associated with this classic model:
1. **Gear Linkage Issues**: The gear linkage in the Lotus Elan can be prone to failure. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to prevent gear selection problems.
2. **Electrical Gremlins**: Like many vintage cars, the Elan may experience electrical issues. Check wiring, connections, and grounding to ensure proper function.
3. **Misfiring and Rough Running**: If you encounter misfiring under acceleration or rough running, consider the following steps:
- Set base timing.
- Use diagnostic tools like ElanScan (if available) to identify any issues.
4. **Spark Plug Gap**: Ensure that spark plugs are correctly gapped (usually around 0.8mm) to maintain optimal performance.
Remember, the Lotus Elan remains a beloved classic, but regular care and attention are crucial to keep it running smoothly!
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Generations
The **Lotus Elan** had two distinct generations produced between **1962 and 1975**. Let's break it down:
1. **First Generation (1962–1975)**:
- **Type 26**: This series included the **Elan 1500**, **Elan 1600**, and **Elan S2** (Series 2).
- **Type 36**: The fixed head coupé (FHC) marketed as the **Elan S3**, **Elan S4**, and, in a higher-performance model, the **Elan Sprint**.
- **Type 45**: The drop head coupé (DHC), replacing the Type 26, delivered in parallel with the Type 36 in S3, S4, and Sprint form.
- **Type 26R**: A racing version of the Type 26.
- **Type 50**: The four-seater sports car marketed as the **Elan +2**.
2. **Second Generation (1989–1995)**:
- **Type M100**: This front-wheel-drive model was initially marketed as the **Elan S1** and later, for the UK market, as the **Elan S2**. It was also produced in South Korea by Kia Motors between 1996 and 1999, rebadged as the **Kia Elan**.
Both generations contributed to the Elan's legendary status as a lightweight, agile sports car!
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Body Style/Variants
The **Lotus Elan**, produced between **1962 and 1975**, had several variants during its classic era. Let's explore them:
1. **Two-Seater Sports Cars**:
- **Lotus Type 26**: Drop head coupé (DHC) marketed as the **Elan 1500**, **Elan 1600**, and **Elan S2 (Series 2)**.
- **Lotus Type 36**: Fixed head coupé (FHC) marketed as the **Elan S3**, **Elan S4**, and, in a higher-performance model, the **Elan Sprint**.
- **Lotus Type 45**: Drop head coupé, replacing the Type 26, delivered alongside the Type 36 in S3, S4, and Sprint form.
2. **Four-Seater Sports Car**:
- **Lotus Type 50**: Fixed head coupé marketed as the **Elan +2** (rear seats suitable for children).
Today, all these models (from S1 to Sprint) are often collectively referred to as the **1960s Elans**. The Lotus Elan was technologically advanced, featuring a DOHC 1,558 cc engine, four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and 4-wheel independent suspension—a true classic!
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Engines
The **Lotus Elan**, produced between **1962 and 1975**, featured the **Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine**. Here are the details:
- **Engine Type**: Lotus-Ford Twin Cam
- **Configuration**: Inline 4
- **Displacement**: 1557 cc
- **Cylinder Bore**: 82.55 mm (3.25")
- **Piston Stroke**: 72.75 mm (2.86")
- **Cylinder Block Alloy**: Ford 116E cast iron
- **Cylinder Head Alloy**: Aluminium
- **Valvetrain**: DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, chain-driven
This engine was based on Ford's Kent engine, with a Lotus-inspired Cosworth alloy twin-cam head. It powered various Lotus models and racing cars during that era.
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Spares
Certainly! If you're looking for **Lotus Elan** spare parts in the UK or Ireland, here are some options:
1. **Tony Thompson Racing**: They can supply or have re-manufactured parts for all Lotus Elans, including models like **S1, S2, 26R, GTS, S3, S4 / Sprint & +2**. Their range covers body and chassis components, brakes, cooling systems, electrics, engines, exhausts, and more¹.
2. **123spareparts.co.uk**: Visit their website to find suitable parts for your **LOTUS Elan Convertible**. They offer a variety of options for different models².
3. **AutoVillage**: Through their network of Lotus Elan car breakers and dismantlers, AutoVillage can help you source discounted Lotus Elan car parts and spares, no matter where you live³.
4. **Car Parts Network**: Start your search for Lotus Elan parts in the UK with them. They connect you with specialist Lotus Elan breakers who can assist with your specific needs⁴.
5. **SJ Sports Cars**: For genuine Lotus parts and spares, including those for Elan models (S1, 2, 3, 4, and Sprint), check out their database by entering descriptions or part numbers⁵.
Happy restoring, and may your Lotus Elan continue to turn heads on the road!
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Specialists
You can find specialists for Lotus vehicles in the UK and Ireland through several reputable sources:
1. Lotus Centres: You can locate your nearest authorised Lotus dealer or service centre by using the search tool on the Lotus Cars UK website.
2. Bell and Colvill: One of the oldest and most respected Lotus dealers in the UK, offering sales, service, and parts for all Lotus models.
3. Paul Matty Sports Cars: Specialises in Lotus sales, service, and parts, with a strong reputation in the Lotus community.
4. Esprit Engineering: Known for their expertise in Lotus vehicles, offering a wide range of services and parts.
5. Lotus Silverstone: An official Lotus dealer providing sales, service, and parts for Lotus cars.
These specialists should be able to assist you with any needs related to your Lotus vehicle.