- Seller: John K (Contact)
- Location: Belmar, New Jersery
- Mileage: 63158 Shown
- Chassis #: 45/9461
- Title Status: Missing
- Engine: 1558cc Lotus Twin Cam Big Valve with Stromberg Carbs
The original Lotus Elan proved that a sports car didn’t need a large engine or impressive horsepower figure to deliver serious performance. By combining a lightweight fiberglass body, a steel backbone chassis, and a lively twin-cam engine, Lotus created one of the most engaging sports cars of the 1960s. This 1970 Elan S4 has reportedly remained with the same owner since new, but it has been parked for years and is now ready for a complete restoration. Located in Belmar, New Jersey, it is offered exclusively here on Barn Finds with an asking price of $14,000.
The seller describes the Elan as a numbers-matching example showing 63,158 miles. Power comes from a 1,558cc Lotus Twin Cam paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The engine is currently disassembled, with the cylinder head having reportedly been rebuilt by a speed shop before being wrapped in plastic for storage. The photos also show the twin Stromberg carburetors removed from the engine.
Interestingly, the seller identifies the cylinder head as a Big Valve unit. That specification is associated with the later Elan Sprint, so prospective buyers will want to inspect the engine numbers and components to determine exactly what is present. Perhaps they had it built to Big Valve specs, or they sourced a later head. If it is indeed a Big Valve head, it should boost horsepower a healthy amount. While the car was still drivable, it received an electric fuel pump, alternator conversion, and brackets for a larger radiator to provide additional cooling. A selection of parts for rebuilding the engine block and braking system is included.
The Elan’s fiberglass body wears faded green paint and shows the dirt, scratches, and general wear expected from long-term storage. The limited photos make it difficult to evaluate the fiberglass closely, so an in-person inspection would be worthwhile. Unlike a conventional steel-bodied car, however, the most important structural concern is the steel backbone chassis. The seller states that the original frame remains under the car and does not appear to be severely rusted, but its condition should be carefully verified before restoration begins.
Inside, the black interior appears largely complete but tired. The dashboard, Smiths instrumentation, steering wheel, seats, and center console remain in place, and the odometer shows 63,158 miles. The cabin will need cleaning and likely restoration, though having the major pieces present is a good starting point given the cost and difficulty of sourcing Elan-specific trim.
This Lotus is a big project. The engine needs to be put back together (at the minimum), the brakes need rebuilding, the cosmetics need attention, and the car is being sold without a title. You will want to check with the New Jersey DMV to see what all is required to title the car in your State, as they don’t issue titles this old.
Even with those challenges, a one-owner, numbers-matching Elan S4 is an intriguing find. These cars are remarkably light, mechanically straightforward, and incredibly fun to drive, while their compact size makes them easier to restore and store than many classics. With the rebuilt cylinder head and additional parts included, this Elan could be a worthwhile project for someone who understands vintage British sports cars. Would you return it to factory specification or finish the reliability upgrades started by its longtime owner?
I had five of these. my favorite: 65 S2 with twin Webers and pull-up windows (no window frames, they were for later model power windows). This one looks right and the numbers all line up. It’s has the black Lotus badge on the front which indicates that this car was in production when Jim Clark was killed driving. I had one car with the black badge and it was a 69 Elan coupe. All other Elans had the yellow and green badges. The Stromberg carbs were OK but if I was going to put this back together, I would look for a head with Webers ( England most likely). The Webers have much better performance while the Stromberg were installed for emission controls back then. It’s very interesting: I live in Vermont (for past 25 years) and the Jersey shore town of Belmar is where I spent all my youth in the summers. I’m 73. Maybe I will check this car out when I go down in August to visit family……( if it is still for sale, of course!)
These cars are not hard to work on. Small hands help, though! Parts will be dear, though as there were only 10K Elans made in ten years. I worked on them in the 70’s. Different times today. The price may be a bit high as the earlier cars have better value. I believe the Elans have peaked in value and like other Brit classics, the market is shrinking because the lovers of these cars are not around anymore! Fun, fun car to drive and own but you need to do your own wrenching to make them worthwhile……