There is some truth to the saying that, “The British car business ain’t what it used to be!” And that is true as so many great British marques are either completely gone or owned by foreign entities. One exception is Lotus, manufacturer of the Elan, just like this 1967 example that is located in Memphis, Tennessee and available here on eBay for a current bid of $5,485, reserve not met yet.
The Elan was produced by Lotus between the years of 1962 and 1973. By any measure they are not common. There is not an official manufactured count but 12,200 seems to be the most commonly referenced number. Of this original production, the Lotus Registry estimates that there are only about 1,000 still in existence. This 1967 version is officially known as a “S3” model version of the Type 45, documented by the VIN plate.
Our seller tells us that this Lotus has a 1.5 liter engine. This is basically correct as it is a 1,558 CC in-line, four-cylinder, dual overhead cam, twin carbureted motor good for 118 gross HP. We are told that this Elan “runs and drives great” and has a nice four-speed manual transmission. The listing further states that the car has had a complete mechanical restoration and all it needs is a nice paint job.
Looking at the finish, I would agree, it needs some paint help. It has some scrapes and obvious primer but the fiberglass body looks straight and well aligned. The body panels may need some minor patching but the exterior in its entirety looks pretty intact.
Inside, we find a basic British sports car, black vinyl, right-hand drive, interior. The driver’s seat has some wear-through but it all looks to be in pretty usable as-is condition. The seller states that the dash and gauges are all in nice shape and are fully functional.
There are a few images of the underside that are not particularly discernible but I selected one that is identifiable and it shows no evidence of rot or rust. My experience with British sports cars tells me that you always want to check the underside thoroughly for integrity. I don’t have any specific concern regarding this Elan but it is worth the effort to be extra diligent; British = corrosion when the climate is not ideal.
The appealing thing about this Lotus is its rareness, it’s not a MG or Triumph. Of course, rareness can be a double-edged sword for things like parts and mechanical knowledge. I imagine with 118 HP on tap in such a small, lightweight car (approximately 1,500 lbs.) it moves with a spirited force so that’s enticing. There have been 13 bids placed so far so there is interest in this Elan and the bid has increased in the short period of time that I have done my research and written this article. Might you be one of them?
Lotus is owned by Geely. And Proton before that. And an Italian before that. And, of course, GM before that.
I did not know that and didn’t come across it while I was researching. Thx for the update.
And by the dearly beloved founder/designer/builder/racer Colin Chapman. Who got by with a little help from his friends…namely Ford. And Cosworth. Loved Colin’s credo: “to increase speed add lightness”. A bunch of my young, single Officer buddies had these where we were stationed in Germany. It was 4 DM to dollar then, so everything was “cheap” to us. Another group had Alfas, so you can imagine the “my car’s better than your car” nonsense. Neither group could hold a candle to my ’67 Fairlane GTA on the Autobahn, and my “off time” was getting to Holland, Luxembourg, Belgium etc ASAP.
Being a Brit from over the pond, I can second the above comments by ace10. Its been a few years now since Lotus was owned by a British company.
Also the reason there is no rot on this Elan is because they are all Fiberglass..
They are very light and fast and extremely good handling, a real drivers car. Those in the know would always choose a lotus before an MG or Triumph.
Cheers old boy.
I know, I stated in the fourth paragraph that this Elan has a fiberglass body. I was referencing the frame (sixth paragraph) as a place to check for a problem.
Power windows on this? I don’t see any window cranks. I doubt any cars had body colored bumpers in ’67, except concept cars.
Could you get a radio or even heater in these cars? I see neither.
Are the popup headlites here mechanical, vaccum or electric?
Yes, it has power windows, all S3 and later cars did. Bumpers would have originally been silver. All cars had heaters, radio was an option. headlights pop up via vacuum.
Air filters are not stock, dash has many veneer cracks.
Should make a good project
Power windows, toggle switches are low on the tombstone.
Originally, the bumpers would have been painted silver. Many/most of the Elans I saw back in the day had radios, and I’m pretty sure they had heaters as well. Headlights were vacuum-operated. Not sure when electric windows were first offered, but I know the Elan coupes had them, and those were introduced in ’67, IIRC.
Lots and lots of work — and no doubt a few substantial hits to the wallet — ahead for the next owner. These are wonderful little cars, but spendy.
“Lotus Registry estimates that there are only about 1,000 still in existence.” I think you are missing a 0 there. Frame condition is of primary importance. That body will likely need a lot of gel coat crack repair. Lots of time or $ involved. I’ve just finished one.
No, no missing zeros. They claim it to be 1,100 but they are basing the estimate from their registry alone so they won’t know about those that aren’t on the registry.
The only thing that makes any British car rarer than another is the length of time it’s actually on the road between breakdowns.
Lots of Trouble Usually Serious.Basically a pretty load of junk.Diana Rigg aka Emma Peel, drove one in “The Avengers”
How many have you owned, I wonder, to form this opinion, or trot out this tired old adage? Three, in my case, and they are brilliantly and simply designed cars in my humble opinion
Replacement frames are available, but dismantling an Elan and building it back up on a new frame would be economically impractical unless DIY so knowledge of frame condition is paramount!
Lots of opinions here but only a couple from owners or former owners. In good condition these cars are selling for high twenties up to and over $40K! But aside from value, they are the most fun sports cars to own. I owned a 63 26104 and I can tell you I wish everyday I had it back. Frames are a concern but body off repairs are not that cumbersome. Like everything else, if it floats your boat then consider owning one. They are great cars. P.S. This is a genuine Lotus built by Colin Chapman, not Geely or GM. And GM only owned the research and development from which we got the LT-5 vette engine.
Lotus Elans are fantastic cars however highly misunderstood. One of the best handling sports cars of the 60’s and early 70’s. Hope someone gets a good deal on this car and brings it back to it’s glory.