Lotus Elan S3
Overview
| Produced: |
1965-1968, 2650 produced. |
|---|---|
| Types: |
Sports Coupe |
Lotus launched a legend in 1962, the Lotus Elan. Following on from the previous Elite model the new Elan offered improved handling, performance and had a less fragile feel to its overall design. Below the Elan bonnet sat a twin-cam four cylinder engine which would become a legend in its own right, powering other classic Lotus models including the Cortina sports-saloons.
Initially the Elan came as an open two seater, from 1964 a fixed head coupe was also available, both bodies being constructed from GRP and mounted on a separate chassis. In 1967 a new Elan 2+2 joined the range which offered more comfort in a classic GT format. Both models continued to sell well throughout the late-60's with various model changes (including the Elan Sprint and 2+2 130) and more powerful engines.
Buyers Guide Lotus Elan featured in Practical Classics December 2009 – available from our sister site Bookbase. Click here to view. Also: Buyers Guide Lotus Elan 1962 - 1973 featured in Practical Classics November 2005 – available from our sister site Bookbase. Click Here to view.
Source: Motorbase
Engines
| Capacity | Config | Model | Bore/Stroke | CR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1558cc | S4 DOHC | Lotus (Ford) Twin-cam 1.6 | 82.55mm x 72.746mm | 9.5 |
Drivetrain and Suspension
| Drivetrain | Steering | Front Suspension | Rear Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
Performance
| Top Speed | 0-60 | SQM | MPG | Engine Pwr | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 mph | 7.6 s | 30 mpg | 105 bhp |
Brakes
| Front | Rear | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Disc | Disc |
Auction Sales History
Books
| ISBN | Title | Publisher | Buy this book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870645513 | Lotus Elan Ultimate Portfolio 1962-74 | Brooklands Books |
Magazine Articles
| Title | Pages | Options | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article |
20 great classics do battle |
56 |
 |
|
| Publication | Classic Cars November 2005 | |||
| 20 great classics do battle - There's never been a showdown like this before. 20 of the most popular classics of all time go head to head at the Classic Cars test track. How does your favourite fare? | ||||
| Article |
Buyer - Lotus Elan (1962-1973) |
112 |
|
|
| Publication | Practical Classics November 2005 | |||
| Buyer - Fall in love with a Lotus Elan - Buy wisely and motoring nirvana will be yours. Make a bad call and you could end up in a money pit. | ||||
| Article |
Buying Guide - 1963-1974 Lotus Elan |
98 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars March 2005 | |||
| Buying Guide - 1963-1974 Lotus Elan - It’s 41 years since Lotus introduced the legendary Elan and few cars have since matched its driving appeal. Your quest for motoring nirvana starts here. | ||||
| Article |
Classic Cars December 2001 pg 64 |
64 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars December 2001 | |||
| Giant Lotus handling test. Lotus has always made an art form out of building fine-handling cars. We put the best to the ultimate track test. | ||||
| Article |
Side by Side. Classics with modern engines |
30 |
|
|
| Publication | Practical Classics August 2001 | |||
| Side by Side. Classics with modern engines. Heart Transplant. Does a modern engine improve a classic, or simply destroy its character? With a diverse selection, David Lillywhite finds out. Lotus Elan Plus 2, Land Rover Series IIA, Escort MKI, MGA, Minor. | ||||
| Article |
Classic Cars February 2000 pg 140 |
140 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars February 2000 | |||
| Buying Guide. Lotus Elan. Same name, different animal. The late-Eighties Elan, with front-wheel drive and Japanese engine, was a break from the past that eventually appeased the most fervent Lotusphiles. Invest now in its peerless speed, handling and reliability. | ||||
| Article |
Class of 62 |
54 |
|
|
| Publication | Octane April 2012 | |||
| Class of 62 - It's 50 years since the launch of the Selby Cobra, MGB, Lotus Elan and Ferrari 250GTO. Happy birthday, legends all. | ||||
| Article |
Buyer's Guide - Lotus Elan |
24 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 15 February 2012 | |||
| Buyer's Guide - Lotus Elan - The original '60s Elan still has the power to thrill, says JAMES TAYLOR. | ||||
| Article |
Buying Power - Lotus Elan |
28 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 23 November 2006 | |||
| Buying Power - Lotus Elan - Lots of Trouble, Usually Serious? Forget the dodgy play on words and boring old jokes, it doesn't have to be that way. JAMES PEENE takes a look at the Elan and tells you all you need to know to find a good one and avoid the duds. | ||||
| Article |
The Lotus Position |
64 |
|
|
| Publication | Classics May 2004 | |||
| The Lotus Position - Paul Bussey meets a man who spent 15 years completing the ground up rebuild of this Lotus Elan first started by his son. It's a fitting tribute... | ||||
| Article |
Classic & Sports Car November 2003 pg 160 |
160 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car November 2003 | |||
| Our Classics - Journalists offer views and updates on their cars | ||||
| Article |
Classic & Sports Car April 2003 pg 99 |
99 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car April 2003 | |||
| 10 Great £10k Sports Cars. What we'd buy with the money - and what top motor people would take home as personal choices. Lotus Elan SE. | ||||
| Article |
Classics October 2002 pg 30 |
30 |
|
|
| Publication | Classics October 2002 | |||
| Kings of the Twins. Alfa Romeo's 2000GTV and Lotus' Elan Sprint are powered by two of the all time great twin-cam engines. Peter Knivett compares them. | ||||
| Article |
Torque and cheese |
118 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car June 2002 | |||
| Torque and cheese - Lotus vs Lotus - Julian Balme tries the Lotus reposition, replacing the Elan + 2S witht the radical, F1-inspired Elite. | ||||
| Article |
Classic & Sports Car November 2001 pg 114 |
114 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car November 2001 | |||
| Dash of Elan. Long heralded as the lightweight champion, will a tough field show the Lotus is donning the emperor's latest togs? | ||||
| Article |
Classic & Sports Car June 2001 pg 122 |
122 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car June 2001 | |||
| Sports Car Bonanza - Coming classics head-to-head in essential group test: Barchetta, Elan, MGF, MX-5 and S2. We pick a sub-£10k winner. | ||||
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