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Curated Auction

1969 Lotus Elan S4 FHC

At a Glance

One Previous Keeper | 48 Years' Family Ownership | Excellent Structure and Interior | Needs Cosmetics to Finish | Big Valve Engine Conversion

  • Mileage~10,151 on clock
  • Transmission4-speed manual
  • Engine1.6-litre
  • LocationSlough

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£8,100
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ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

The Elan's combination of sleek styling, sharp agility, and a potent engine easily marks it as one of the finest sports cars ever built.

When the Lotus Elan debuted in 1962, it revolutionised sports car design. Built under Colin Chapman’s philosophy of "Simplify, then add lightness," it married a revolutionary steel backbone chassis to a featherweight fibreglass body. Weighing just 700kg and featuring telepathic rack-and-pinion steering alongside sophisticated all-independent suspension, the Elan delivered unmatched agility.

Introduced in 1968, the Series 4 (S4) Fixed Head Coupé (FHC) represents the model's most mature and coveted evolution. The fixed roofline seamlessly transforms the sprightly roadster into a sophisticated GT, drastically improving cabin refinement, weatherproofing, and structural rigidity. Visually distinguished by elegant flared wheel arches and a revised bonnet, the S4 also introduced an upgraded, ergonomic wooden dashboard.

Powered by the iconic, punchy Ford-based Twin-Cam engine, the S4 offers giant-killing performance and exceptional mid-corner speed. Uniting motorsport-derived engineering with a supple, compliant ride, the Elan S4 remains the definitive expression of driving purity. A timeless masterpiece widely regarded by purists as the finest sports car ever built.

Cherished by the current vendor since July 1978 and boasting just one previous keeper from new, this 1969 FHC S4 Elan features a significant, high-specification upgrade to 'Big Valve' performance. The car is accompanied by an exceptional history file containing parts receipts dating back to 1978, its original owner's handbook, workshop manuals, and dedicated model reference books. Naturally it's both MOT and Road Tax exempt, and represents a spectacular opportunity to acquire a structurally sound, mechanically finished, and fully roadworthy project that needs the final aesthetic touches to be completed.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I loved its performance and brilliant handling. It was my only car for four years, and I didn't want anything else.

Having been a cornerstone of his life for nearly half a century, the Elan has shared in many of the key milestones of John and his wife Paulette’s lives together. Both sharing a deep, lifelong passion for motoring, they were fiercely dedicated to keeping and enjoying the Elan for as long as possible. Unfortunately, due to the onset of arthritis in his hands, John is no longer able to undertake the fine, detailed assembly required to finish the cosmetic and interior trim elements.

However, he has opted not to hang up his driving gloves just yet; with his son’s help, John has managed to replace the Elan with its true spiritual successor, a Mazda MX-5. He will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

John
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Beneath the patina, the body is solid and sits on an excellent Spyder backbone chassis.

Wheels and Tyres

The 13” steel wheels are in excellent condition, with very few signs of age.

All wheels are fitted with Uniroyal tyres, showing 155/80. They all date from 2022 but were said to be fitted in 2024. They all have plenty of thread and still show logistics markings.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The body is evenly mounted on its chassis and is free of fractures, with a few localised repairs, but appears to be in good condition. There are a few drill holes where the mirrors and indicators were placed. Whilst the doors open and close without issue, the driver's door will need adjusting.

While the Spyder stressed-skin chassis was replaced in the 1980s, it remains in excellent condition with minimal signs of age. It has been protected with Waxoyl. The underside of the body tub is in good shape, with no significant damage. The wheel wells, boot floor and engine bay are in good order.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

Painting the car was the final task left on John’s renovation checklist. While the gel coat shows some minor fracturing and crazing, the bare surface allows potential buyers to inspect the body thoroughly, offering total transparency about the condition underneath.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The glass is generally in good condition, though the windscreen does have a couple of small cracks, and the rear window seal is showing its age. Both the H4 Cibié headlights and the rear lenses are clean. The cars wing Indicators are included.

While the chrome shows some minor wear, it is perfectly in line with the age of the car. According to John, the trim is 95% complete and comes with the boot lid letters and black nose emblem but not the side badges.

While the front bumper is complete and free of damage, it still needs to be painted and refitted. Meanwhile, the rear bumper is securely mounted and its condition is consistent with the rest of the car's body.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Smartly presented, the car requires only a handful of minor cosmetic touches inside to be made absolutely perfect.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in smart condition and come equipped with Willans three-point harnesses. The carpets are tidy, dry, and completely free of damp.

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Dashboard

The dashboard is in good condition, apart for a small crack on the top padding ahead of the driver. The veneer looks excellent, having been acquired from Classical Dash. The switches and controls are likely original; the switches show some light age-related wear, but the dials are in good shape, and everything reportedly works as it should. The centre console has a couple of cracks.

The door cards and headlining are smartly presented, though the driver-side door card is slightly loose and the headlining does have a few small tears and some staining. Both the rear parcel shelf and the glovebox are included with the car but will require finishing. The pieces of interior trim that fit below the dashboard down to the centre console are also included among the spares. They are new items.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The car retains its original gear lever, while the correct-pattern steering wheel was bought brand new from Jacob Engineering.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The 'Big Valve' engine conversion and mechanical renovation have been the main focus of John's attention.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up after a couple of cranks. It initially runs a little lumpy and requires the choke for a minute or two from a cold start - a typical characteristic of the Twin Cam engine. However, once warmed up, it idled evenly. More importantly, there were no unwanted noises or tapping, no warning lights on the dash, and aside from the usual initial cold-engine condensation, the exhaust is free of smoke. The car is also notably free of fluid leaks.

The engine bay is cleanly presented, showing clear evidence of recent maintenance and care. The engine has been upgraded to a 'Big Valve' specification, running on Dellorto DHLA 40 carburettors and Newman Fast Road camshafts. Much of the engine work and performance upgrades were carried out by Vulcan Engineering. This comprehensive build features a Tufftrided crankshaft with standard-sized journals, and a fully balanced bottom end including the crank, rods, Powermax pistons, front pulley, flywheel, and clutch cover.

The ported cylinder head was overhauled and converted to unleaded in 2022, at which time it was also successfully pressure-tested. The camshafts are precisely timed via vernier sprockets. Additional cooling and reliability modifications include an under-car ducted oil cooler with a thermostatic sandwich plate, a modified breather system with an additional front cam cover outlet, and an oil catch tank with a drain tap. The water pump shaft shows no play or leaks. The ignition system has been modernised with a Powerspark electronic distributor, matching coil, and new numbered ignition leads.

Fuel delivery is handled by an electric fuel pump equipped with a relay and an inertia cutout safety switch. An alternator conversion has been fitted, and the system exhales through a stainless steel exhaust.

Following a conversion from Stromberg to Dellorto DHLA 40s carburettors, a high-quality ITG filter was fitted directly over the carburettor mouths in place of the factory airbox which has subsequently been made into an airbox to reduce induction roar.

The four-speed gearbox runs smoothly with no reported issues. The gear changes are slick, and John is satisfied with the clutch’s engagement and biting point.

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Suspension and Brakes

On the move, the suspension copes beautifully with bumps and imperfections in the road, running quietly with no unexpected noises from the running gear. This is no surprise given that the suspension components have been overhauled, with the setup utilising Koni dampers and fresh front springs installed in 2025.

The brakes are highly effective, slowing the car smoothly and without drama. The system features copper brake pipes paired with stainless steel braided hoses for both the brakes and the clutch. Furthermore, the entire hydraulic system was overhauled within the last few years, and a fresh set of brake pads has been recently fitted.

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The Drive

The test drive can only be described as exhilarating. John took us along a stretch of narrow country roads featuring clean, sweeping bends and excellent visibility. After allowing the engine to warm up thoroughly, he demonstrated how effortlessly it pulls from 30 to 50 mph. Feeding the throttle progressively from around 2,500 rpm, the glorious combination of the eager Twin Cam engine and the mild theatrics of the stainless steel exhaust proved just how well-sorted this tuned car really is.

On the road, the car inspires total confidence, gripping well and delivering a ride that is both stable and comfortable. The steering feels tight, tracking in a straight line with no wobbles or mechanical knocks. Mechanically, the oil pressure stayed perfectly stable. The engine temperature did rise a fraction after a quick blast, but it quickly settled back down to normal as we slowed, cooling itself naturally without needing the fan.

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Electrics and Other

The car benefits from a new aluminium fuel tank sourced from Axminster Panels. Additionally, the steering rack has been recently overhauled - a comprehensive job that included fresh shimming, new gaiters, and new track rod ends.

The front driving lights have been upgraded to LED items.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Maintained regularly under John’s 48-year ownership, the car features an impressive history file of invoices dating back to 1978.

First registered in January 1969 in London, the car was bought by John in July 1978 with a reported mileage of 41,774 miles to replace his much-loved Ford Escort GT.

The Lotus was his sole daily driver until 1982, when it was taken off the road for a chassis replacement after a hole was discovered in the nearside front suspension turret. Though reassembled into a complete vehicle with a running engine in the early 1990s, work and family commitments temporarily paused the project. Crucially, during this long-term storage, the engine was regularly turned over by hand to prevent seizure.

Upon John's retirement in 2018, work resumed in earnest. To ensure the highest standards of reliability, previous work was refreshed, and all perishable rubber components, hoses, and seals were completely replaced, culminating in the car returning to the road in driveable condition in 2024.

The Lotus is backed by an impressive history file with invoices stretching back to the late 1970s. Crucially, this documentation includes receipts for the vehicle's replacement chassis, upgraded shock absorbers, and major engine work. Recent expenditure is also well-documented, detailing a wealth of new parts including fresh hoses, seals, electronic ignition, Denso spark plugs, steering components, and relays.

Furthermore, the provenance folder includes an excellent selection of literature: two workshop manuals, two Elan-specific reference books, and the car's highly desirable original owner's handbook. Presenting a fantastic ownership prospect, the vehicle is officially classified as a historic vehicle and is both MOT and Road Tax exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Key Details
  • Model Lotus Elan S4 FHC
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 13-01-1969
  • CC 1558
  • Mileage ~10,151 on clock
  • History Receipts since 1978
  • Colour Orange
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # 36/8600
  • Engine # L17653B
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 1
  • Tyre Brand Uniroyal
  • Tyre Age 2022
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Owned ~48 Years
  • Key Feature Long term owner and Big Valve conversions
  • Vehicle Registration XJD 104G
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2 door Coupe
  • Auction ID 3686
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Slough

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £8,100
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    Auction Ends Thu 11th Jun at 7.40pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  9
    £8,100 bid by Alan10.06.26 @ 17:32:59
    £7,790 bid by AnthonyB07.06.26 @ 08:48:21
    £6,000 bid by BP04.06.26 @ 12:11:33
    £5,250 bid by Fibreglass103.06.26 @ 20:18:00
    £3,250 bid by Exigeman01.06.26 @ 18:16:09
    £3,000 bid by BROB29.05.26 @ 21:26:25
    £2,500 bid by Sean28.05.26 @ 23:12:50
    £1,200 bid by BROB28.05.26 @ 20:38:53
    £1,000 bid by justinE3028.05.26 @ 12:23:23
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    4008
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    13 Comments
    James56788
    James56788
    17 hours ago

    Hi John, I am going to be on holiday when the auction finishes. When does it need to be picked up by. Is a week and a half later okay? Also do you think it would be completely fine for the drive down to exeter or would it need to be trailered? Many thanks, James

    JohnElan
    JohnElan
    Seller
      James56788
    17 hours ago

    Hi James, thanks for contacting me. There is no rush to pick up the car, it’s garaged and not in the way. There is no reason why from a mechanical point of view that you couldn’t drive it to Exeter, personally I’m too used to the creature comforts of modern cars to do a run like that in it, Silverstone, about 60 miles from me is about as far as I would go.

    John

    JohnElan
    JohnElan
    Seller
      James56788
    16 hours ago

    Hi James. There are some spares, unfitted parts, special tools and literature that come with the car, I’m not sure they would all fit in it.

    John

    AnthonyB
    AnthonyB
    1 day ago

    Hi John, just a question after reading this in the description “The engine temperature did rise a fraction after a quick blast, but it quickly settled back down to normal as we slowed, cooling itself naturally without needing the fan.” I am wondering if this is anything to be worried about . I have not yet owned an Elan, so I’m keen to know if the cooling system is flawed or is it perhaps due to the fact that the engine has been modified or is it in your opinion nothing to worry about . Thanks for your time John. Regards. Anthony .

    JohnElan
    JohnElan
    Seller
      AnthonyB
    20 hours ago

    Hi Anthony, thanks for contacting me. There are no problems with cooling system on this car. It runs, as confirmed in the video at around 90°, I have highly modified MX5 that runs at the same temperature. The space under the radiator has been blocked off as has the space above it, that’s the foam you can see in on the underside of the bonnet in the pictures. All efforts have been made to keep the space in front of the radiator clear so aa not to obstruct airflow. Thus is all standard practice. The electric cooling fan is original and working. It is controlled by an Otter switch which is new and an unused spare will be supplied. This car also has an oil cooler which is controlled by a thermostat in the sandwich plate between the oil pump an the oil filter, whether it ever actually comes into play I don’t know. So you can see I have made every effort to ensure that the engine is properly cooled and runs at the correct temperature. After spending so much time and money on this engine I didn’t want to risk ruining it.

    John

    AnthonyB
    AnthonyB
      JohnElan
    13 hours ago

    Thanks for the comprehensive reply John ??

    JohnElan
    JohnElan
    Seller
      AnthonyB
    20 hours ago

    Hi Anthony. If you are contemplating owning an Elan ther is a global user group/forum called lotus elan.net. If you go there and search for cooling you will see lots of people have followed the same steps as me with the cooling system. These steps are also presented in the factory workshop manual, two copies of which come with the car.

    John

    dhb
    dhb
    4 days ago

    sorry wrong box

    Exigeman
    Exigeman
    9 days ago

    Hi John
    Sorry you are considering selling your Elan. My first Lotus was a 1969 S4 Elan FHC!
    A few questions, if I may:
    – Is the engine number as original?
    – I assume (as Webers are now fitted) the head is not original? – do you still have the original head, Strombergs & Airbox?
    – What condition are the driveshaft doughnuts in?
    – When was the Elan last on the road?
    My apologies if I have missed any of the above in the description.
    Many thanks
    Simon

    JohnElan
    JohnElan
    Seller
      Exigeman
    9 days ago

    Thanks for contacting me Simon.
    The engine number on the block matches that on the V5. it is the original block, it’s never been rebored and has liners fitted from new as was the case with some engines.
    The head is not original and has Dellortos fitted. I don’t have any of the original Stromberg parts, I sold the lot a few years ago.
    In the History and Paperwork section of the listing https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/lotus/1969-lotus-elan-s4-2/#gallery5-38 is the receipt from Paul Matty for the Rotoflex couplings. They were bought in October 2021 and fitted shortly after. They were driven until 2024 when the car became legally drivable. However the can has been moved around as I has moved it to work on different parts of the car. Since becoming drivable the car has done fewer than 100 miles so their condition should still be very good.
    In answer to you question when was the Elan last on the road? I originally took it off the road to start restoration in 1982, the next time I drove it on the road in 2024. The last time I drove it was for the Trade Classics on the Road video.

    Regards

    John

    JohnElan
    JohnElan
    Seller
      Exigeman
    9 days ago

    Hi Simon

    Further to my answers to you questions above there is a discussion started by me on LotusElan.net, here
    https://forums.lotuselan.net/t/cylinder-liners/28973
    It seems that was sometimes the case even on new engines.

    Regards

    John

    Exigeman
    Exigeman
      JohnElan
    9 days ago

    Many thanks John for your swift, informative reply. Really interested in your Elan – the Lotus that started my fix back in the 70’s.
    Cheers
    Simon

    JohnElan
    JohnElan
    Seller
      Exigeman
    9 days ago

    Typo above re Rotoflex couplings, fitted in 2021 but NOT driven until 2024. Apologies

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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Elan like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Slough

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