Lot 012: 1970 LOTUS ELAN S4 CONVERTIBLE

Although Colin Chapman made no bones about the fact that he sold road cars in order to fund his racing activities, this in no way meant that he applied any less of his exacting standards regarding roadability to the models available to the general public. The stunning but delicate Elite of 1958 showed Chapman's ability to design a chassis way in advance of any contemporary competitors but the cost of this car limited its market appeal. Lotus needed to combine the same qualities of looks, performance and outstanding dynamics into a more affordable package and on introducing the Elan in 1962 it was clear that this brief had been more than fulfilled. The cute styling incorporating one of the first uses of retractable headlamps was only the start of this car's appeal and as soon as one took to the road it was clear that the combination of leech-like roadholding with a soft, pliant ride was a feat that few cars on the market could match. Progressive refinement saw Lotus take the Elan upmarket both in terms of power and equipment, including the introduction in 1967 of the four-seater +2 model. The S4 model of 1968 featured a 1558cc twin-cam engine together with a revised interior incorporating many safety features to enable the car to meet the newly introduced US safety legislation. Following the introduction of the Sprint engined model in 1971 the car continued in this form until production ceased in 1973, the car's roadability still being as impressive as it had been on its introduction 11 years earlier. An Elan always turns heads when driving along the road but the 1970 example we have on offer will turn your head as you walk by. In very good condition throughout and with a virtually unblemished blue paintwork this example was extensively rebuilt several years ago on a replacement chassis and has had only summer use since. The odometer is showing some 73000 miles that is believed to be genuine from new and is supported by old MOT certificates dating back to 1981. It has a current MOT certificate until April this year and with its black interior and tonneau cover it really is a delightful motorcar.