Sometimes, a car comes up for grabs that seems to be a well-loved example even if it appears to be somewhat neglected. This 1963 Lotus Elan S1 has been relegated to non-operational status due to medical reasons, which is a shame because the modifications seem to suggest the previous owner enjoyed driving the doors off of Colin Chapman’s iconic sports car. Find the Lotus here on eBay with one bid to $15,000 and no reserve.
Elans are generally sought after sports cars these days, even if they grow increasingly obscure as time wears on. Known for excellent handling, rev-happy engines, and of course, low curb weight, the Elan is not a cheap car to buy in finished and/or restored form, but is still quite accessible in project-car condition for those of us on a budget. Seeing the color-matched bumpers reinforces that the longtime owner was building a race car, not a commuter vehicle.
With the modified dashboard, roll bar, and stripped down interior, there’s little doubt this was someone’s track toy or autocross car (or both) back in the day. The listing notes several period-correct modifications, including Spyder chassis and suspension components, a custom front air dam, dash with circuit breakers instead of fuses, and an upgraded engine pushing out a healthy 130 b.h.p. with SS headers, hi-torque starter, and Cosworth distributor weights.
The gold-painted valve cover is a nice touch, along with some matching accents throughout the engine bay. It’s clear the Lotus is a project and as such, it has a few issues. The seller notes that the water pump was removed for replacement way back when, but that the job never got done. As such, the distributor needs reinstallation and brake/clutch hydraulics must be addressed, along with putting the interior back together. Don’t fret: this is light lifting for a car that deserves to be restored or at least put back on the track.
Ends tonight, get those bids in.
Sold $15k, only one bid.
Probably the right price for remote buyer, who might have another $3k in shipping and random expenses getting it home. But $15k local purchase is a nice bargain. They can dump $25k and still have an appreciating asset.
Very nice ride. I owned a 1964 S1 #260304. Probably my favorite of all. Traded it for a 1969 Europa. Later owned a 1960 RHD Seven. Great times last century.
I also had a 69 Europa, wish i still had it now. My friend had a TC, and it was one problem after another.
I had an”S1-1/2″,#3892.It had S1 & S2 parts on it.
Mrs Peele, you’re needed.