- Seller: David H (Contact)
- Location: Frederick, Maryland
- Mileage: 00000 Shown
- Chassis #: 5778
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1.6-Liter Lotus Twin Cam – Rebuilt
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual – Rebuilt
Lotus founder Colin Chapman famously pursued performance by adding lightness, and few road cars embodied that philosophy more completely than the Elan. Unfortunately, restoring one can become a complicated exercise involving fiberglass work, chassis restoration, drivetrain rebuilding, and hunting for model-specific pieces. This 1967 Lotus Elan Pre-Airflow Coupe may offer a shortcut because much of that difficult and expensive work has already been completed. Located in Frederick, Maryland, it is offered exclusively through Barn Finds for $15,000 or best offer.
This Elan was disassembled for a complete restoration, with the previous owner reportedly intending to turn it into a hill-climb car. Rather than a quick cosmetic freshening, the project was taken down far enough to address several areas that can consume the most time and money during an Elan restoration.
The chassis has been restored and finished in the correct red paint. The photos show it separately from the body, making it easy to see the work already done on the car’s foundation. Front suspension pieces have also been powder-coated, as have the knock-off wheels, which now wear new tires.
The fiberglass body has received considerable attention as well. It was stripped, re-gel-coated, and covered with multiple coats of high-build primer. The photos show the shell in primer with the major exterior panels present, giving the next owner the opportunity to handle final preparation and choose the finished color rather than stripping away someone else’s questionable paintwork.
Then there is the drivetrain. The car comes with a rebuilt 1.6-liter Lotus twin-cam engine. According to the seller, a respected Northeast engine builder rebuilt the engine, then ran it on a test stand. That alone is a significant head start compared with buying a project with a seized or completely unknown engine. Backing the twin-cam is what the seller describes as a rare 5-speed transmission, rebuilt by the same shop. The engine and transmission are shown together in the gallery and could make this project especially attractive to someone who wants an Elan intended to be driven rather than simply displayed.
The induction system offers another interesting twist. A new Mikuni HSR smoothbore carburetor kit is included to replace the original Strombergs. Whether the next owner installs the Mikunis or chooses a different direction, the new components represent another expense already absorbed by the current owner.
The car’s competition-oriented past is also evident. A Safety Devices roll cage has been installed, but the seller notes that it is relatively unobtrusive because portions run inside the rocker areas. For someone considering vintage competition, hill climbs, or simply a more serious road-going build, that may be a welcome feature.
The project appears to include a considerable collection of parts. The photos show suspension components, differentials and rear uprights, bumpers, dashboard pieces, interior panels, door glass, and other components laid out separately. All of the glass is said to be in good condition. It isn’t entirely complete, however. The seller specifically notes that the fuel tank and seats are missing, so the next owner will need to source those items during assembly. Buyers should also inventory the loose components carefully to determine exactly what will still be required before the car comes back together.
One paperwork detail should also be understood before purchase. The seller says the car was previously tagged in Vermont and currently has no title, although the submission separately lists its title status as clean. The seller adds that a Montana title can be obtained if necessary. Interested buyers should confirm the exact documentation accompanying the car and determine what their home state will require.
A completely assembled Elan would obviously be easier to buy, but it would also eliminate much of the opportunity found here. The next owner isn’t paying for somebody else’s paint-color choice or discovering hidden chassis problems after bringing the car home. Instead, the major pieces are visible, the chassis has already been restored, the fiberglass work has been started properly, and both the twin-cam and 5-speed have reportedly been professionally rebuilt. That makes the seller’s description of this as something better than starting with a basket case fairly easy to understand.
At $15,000 or best offer, the question isn’t whether there is still work to do. There certainly is. The more interesting question is how much it would cost to buy a rough Elan project today and then duplicate the chassis, body, drivetrain, suspension, wheels, and parts work already done on this one. For someone who has always wanted to build an Elan exactly the way they want it, this project may offer a rare chance to start somewhere in the middle rather than all the way back at square one.
Where is the must be good at building model cars and puzzles line (kidding). I know many don’t mind building one tore down if they are labeled and categorized but this will need a hardware store with a big selection of bolts. The new owner will also need a titanium credit card for replacement parts.
Good luck with sale.