1969 Lotus Elan S4 Roadster

1969 Lotus Elan S4 Roadster
s/n L69459515
Norfolk Mustard with Black Leather
The Lotus Elan first appeared in October 1962 at the British International Motor Show at Earls Court. Jaguar had launched the E-Type the previous year, AC was offering the Cobra, and Ferrari the GTO. Against these big, powerful, and expensive machines, the lightweight and nimble Elan offered something very different, and typically Lotus: ultra modern, simplistic in design, and tremendous fun. Lotus packed the Elan with innovative technical features including a fiberglass body draped over the first backbone chassis of any road car and four-wheel independent suspension. Lotus would later revolutionize racing with their monocoque 25, further enhancing Lotus’ racing lineage. The 1500 lbs (670kg) Elan powered by the new Lotus Twin Cam engine delivered over 100 horsepower, providing endless entertainment for drivers of this featherweight roadster.
The new Elan offered a clean body design with balanced proportions, hideaway headlights, and a beguilingly low profile. Customers swarmed for the reasonably priced Elan, proving to be a welcome replacement to the fragile, expensive-to-build Elite, becoming Lotus’s biggest commercial success up to that point. Sales revived the company’s overstretched finances, enhancing their reputation as a volume car builder. The Elan was later offered with a hardtop in 1963 and a coupe in 1965, but it was the roadster that captured everyone’s heart and driving spirit. Noted enthusiasts Jay Leno and Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1, rave about the sporty Elan referring to it as “the greatest handling car of all time”. We couldn’t agree more.
This wonderful and most desirable Weber carbureted, knock-off wheel, S4 example has been thoughtfully cared for and beautifully restored with appropriate upgrades over more than twenty years of recent ownership. The paint is very nice overall with vibrant gloss and good coverage throughout. The panels fit well with tight door closures and smooth hood and trunk release, not often seen on these cars. Records with the car indicate the former owner spent $29,000.00 on mechanical restoration (not including body, paint and complete interior). The mechanical restoration included replacing the chassis to the more robust and acclaimed Sypder Chassis which offers greater structural rigidity and performance longevity. Additional mechanical work included replacing the rear suspension with a new CV axle kit, rebuilt differential, adjustable rear shocks, new rear suspension perches, rear springs and rear struts. Spax front shocks were also installed. Under the hood, a new cylinder head was properly assembled and installed, valves adjusted and various engine components replaced as needed, including a new air box feeding twin 40 DCOE Weber Carburetors.
In addition to the mechanical restoration of this Elan, the cosmetic preparation has also been thoughtfully done throughout the car. The various chrome trim and handles are in good condition with the interior having been finished in a quality leather material using factory patterns. The dashboard and instruments are nicely finished with good clear instrument faces, glossy wood veneer, and bright chrome trim bezels. The carpet is in very good condition and the new convertible top with clear plastic rear window fits tightly to the windshield frame and snugly around the rear cowl. The convertible top cover is also in excellent condition. The handsome and properly finished Minilite knock-off wheels are mounted on newer Michelin tires giving the car excellent stance for both road performance and visual delight.
Under the hood the excellent overall preparation continues with a beautifully finished crackle black twin cam cover highlighted by finned aluminum Lotus details, eagerly fed by twin Weber 40DCOE side draft carburetors. A proper air box has been ducted to the front of the car with correct plumbing and wiring finishing off the satin black engine bay. Underneath the car, the gloss red Spyder chassis reveals the celebrated 50% increased torsional rigidity, developed over more than a decade of research by independent Lotus specialists in the UK. The chassis supports the rebuilt suspension and properly prepared brake lines and exhaust. The cleanliness of the chassis shows evidence of use but also reveals attention to detail not often seen with these cars.
The Elan starts easily (manual choke usable for cold starts) and settles into a nice throaty idle, ready for excitement. The gearbox is smooth in all gears with easy and quick movement. The clutch is excellent with great action quickly off the pedal. The acceleration is quite brisk and enjoyable particularly due to the open roadster configuration. Cornering is of course legendary with great response from the suspension and superb body compliance attributed to the Spyder chassis. Braking is very good from all four discs. In all, the car exhibits the delightful driving, cornering, and sporting pleasure one might expect from a car of this historic roadster, yet delivered with robust improvements to yield a reliable and exciting car.
This Lotus Elan S4 offers a unique ownership experience for an enthusiast who enjoys spirited driving. The responsive twin cam engine and twin Weber carburetors delivers a delightful sound from this eager and willing roadster, ready to carve the open roads, while widening the driver’s grin upon exiting every apex.