Lotus Elan S4
Overview
| Produced: |
1968-1971, 3000 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 124 mph | 7.6 s | 29 mpg | 105 bhp | SE Version offered better performance and 115bhp |
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 |
Twin Test - Lotus Elan vs Mazda MX5 |
46 |
 |
|
| Publication | Practical Classics August 2006 | |||
| The great roadster debate - Lotus Elan vs Mazda MX5 - Two great cars born of the same idea, decades apart. Rational roadster takes on automotive soul food. Practical Classics tries to pick a winner. | ||||
| 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 |
Buyers Guide - Lotus Elan |
118 |
|
|
| Publication | Practical Classics December 1998 | |||
| Buyers Guide - Lotus Elan - Mark Dixon gets some expert advice on why all Elans are good, but some are better value than others. | ||||
| 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 |
The romance and the reality |
54 |
|
|
| Publication | Octane August 2010 | |||
| The romance and the reality - A warm summer evening, a two-seater soft-top and the open road: the great British sports car plays a pivotal role in many an idyllic motoring dream. But are these machines as much fun to own and run in real life? We look at seven of the most popular models to find out. 1930/38 Frazer Nash Chain Gang, 1957 AC Ace Bristol, 1968 MG C, 1969 Lotus Elan S4 SE, 1969 Triumph TR6, 1992 TVR 450SE, 1998 Lotus Elise SI. | ||||
| 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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