1970 Lotus Elan S4 DHC

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Mileage~78,286 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6-litre
LocationCoventry

AUCTION CLOSED

1970 Lotus Elan S4 DHC

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

Essentially a street-legal go-kart wrapped in fibreglass.

The Series 1 Elan was launched in 1962. Designed by Ron Hickman under the Colin Chapman ethos, from the beginning, the Elan was quite advanced for the time, with a twin-cam 1,558 cc engine, four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension. There were many revisions, running up to the 1968 Series 4. All the Series were available as either a standard version or the slightly more powerful and luxurious SE model, with SE meaning Special Equipment.

This car is an S4, coming to market from ~three and a half years of ownership. A drop-head coupé believed to be in its original colour of "Lotus Yellow", the car was restored by a former keeper; the owner before Derek used the car very little, as it was part of a large collection.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Derek 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.

Meet the owner

Derek is no stranger to Lotus Elan's - he just keeps enjoying them.

Purchased ~three and a half years ago the plan was to refresh the bodywork and interior on the Lotus.

When Derek purchased the car, he had come out of retirement to keep himself busy, which has seen him returning to full-time work, busier than ever, leaving very little time to carry out the bodywork he had planned for the Elan. Now, with the space needed, he’s made the decision to part with the classic Lotus.

Derek will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Derek

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Is there really a better colour for a ’70s Lotus?

Wheels and Tyres

The steel wheels are finished in silver and in great condition after a refurbishment by a previous keeper. There is some pitting under the paint, which was there prior to them being repainted. The knock-offs are in good order, with just some light signs of excessive tarnishing.

A set of matching Michelin tyres are fitted, which have plenty of tread remaining.

Please take the 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.

Bodywork

The fibreglass body looks to be in good order, and the panels align well with an equal gap. In some places, there are some cracks and crazing to the paintwork.

Fitted with a vinyl roof, this has been replaced at some point in the past. There is some damage around one of the fasteners, but it still holds in place nicely.

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

Paint

Finished in what is believed to be the original colour of "Lotus Yellow", the Lotus received a full respray several years ago and the paintwork presents well. There are some chips in places, which can be clearly seen in the detailed photographs.

The images are taken from a range of angles to show the car as you would see it in person, so please take the time to fully assess the high-resolution photos and videos before forming your own opinion of the paintwork.

Glass and Trim

The windows are generally in good condition; there is a noticeable scratch on the driver's side window.

The chrome window trims have a small amount of age-related tarnishing, in keeping with the age of the Elan.

The vacuum-operated pop-up headlights are a nice feature of the Elan, and they work correctly. The rear light lenses are in good condition, with no damage.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Inside the Lotus is a simple yet effective layout which works well.

Seats and Carpets

The Elan’s seats appear to be the originals, which are trimmed in vinyl. There are some small splits to the stitching on the lower corners, but the faces are in good order.

The black carpets have some wear, mainly on the driver’s side, where there is a hole.

Inside the boot, there is a spare wheel which is in good condition, along with a jack and aluminium tool to fit the knock-offs.

Dashboard

The dashboard is free from any splits or cracks to the top.

The wooden fascia does have some patina to the lacquered finish, which has crazed in a couple of places.

The instruments present well and are working correctly, with the odometer showing just ~78,286 miles at the time of our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with the original and desirable three-spoke steering wheel, which boasts Colin Chapman's signature on the lower spoke. There is some wear to the rim, which could easily be retrimmed if you desired.

The wooden gear knob features a Lotus metal inlay, which is in very good condition with minimal signs of age.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The twin carbs and the unique sound of the Lotus twin-cam are pretty much as ’70s as you can get.

Engine and Gearbox

The 1.6-litre engine fires up without hesitation and, with the blip of the throttle, the Stromberg carburettors mix some fuel and air to bring the twin-cam to a smooth idle.

The four-speed gearbox has a precise change, with the gears easily selected.

Suspension and Brakes

During the short drive, the car felt solid, with no knocks or bangs coming from the suspension.

The brakes brought the Lotus to a stop in a straight line and with no juddering through the pedal.

The Drive

Combining its lightweight construction with sharp steering and excellent handling, the Elan feels every bit like the street-legal go-kart it was designed to be.

The responsive engine and four-wheel independent suspension make it hugely enjoyable on a twisty road, while the low seating position gives you a real sense of connection with the car.

There’s little in the way of modern refinement, but that’s exactly the point; the Elan delivers a pure, engaging driving experience that feels every bit as special today as it did when new.

Electrics and Other

Everything in the car is reported to be working just as it should.

The switchgear does have some age-related wear, and there is also some wear to the lettering on the wooden fascia panel.

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History and Paperwork

Just ~10 miles have been covered in this usable British classic in ~3 years!

Over the past ~13 years, the Lotus has covered around ~3,000 miles. 10 of those have been in the past ~3.5 years since Derek took ownership. So it’s safe to say he’s not really used the car.

The paperwork dates back to the 1980s, with various invoices showing parts purchased and work carried out.

Although Derek purchased the car to refresh the bodywork, it still remains very well presented and completely usable, perfect for a weekend outing to your local cars and coffee meet.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including photo ID and V5 verification, as well as a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional HPI check that will highlight if the car has previously been stolen, recorded as being involved in an accident or has any outstanding finance. Please note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We’ve summarised our own view of the car based on information provided by the seller; however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video each car in high-resolution detail, so you can make your own assessment from the comfort of your home. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are also welcomed on all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a suitable time; we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car, just like at a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
01.10.2020	MOT	78,219
10.06.2019	MOT	77,936
12.06.2018	MOT	77,887
13.06.2017	MOT	77,704
03.06.2016	MOT	77,507
08.06.2015	MOT	76,661
25.06.2014	MOT	76,661
24.05.2013	MOT	75,673
27.06.2012	MOT	75,140
16.06.2011	MOT	73,560
14.01.1995	MOT	73,535
03.06.1988	MOT	72,047
01.05.1987	MOT	70,022
17.03.1986	MOT	69,842
18.08.1983	MOT	67,573
31.07.1982	MOT	66,167
14.07.1981	MOT	61,197
16.06.1980	MOT	60,140
14.06.1979	MOT	56,409
22.05.1978	MOT	49,706
09.12.1976	MOT	41,814

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Key Details

Year1970
ModelElan S4 DHC
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date19.06.1970
CC1558
Mileage~78,286 on clock
ColourLotus Yellow
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #7005110126G
Engine #L22389K27
RestoredYes
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers4
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~3 Years
Key FeatureNice Usable Example
Vehicle RegistrationBDM 505H
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeDHC
Auction ID3973

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All Images

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Vehicle Location

Coventry

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : tractorman

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4 Comments

markus

20 days ago

Hi Derek, before bidding further, could you confirm whether the steel backbone chassis has ever been inspected or had any corrosion/welding work done, and whether there’s any documentation for that separate from the bodywork? Also, would it be possible to arrange an independent underside inspection before the auction ends? Thank you and have lovely weekend, Markus

tractorman

Seller

markus

19 days ago

Hi Markus
I have never looked at the chassis as explained to the previous comment.
You are most welcome to arrange your own inspection and be assured that I will give every assistance to your appointed inspector/engineer.
Regards Derek.

rufalike

29 days ago

Hello do you have any details on the chassis?

tractorman

Seller

rufalike

28 days ago

Unfortunately not, I bought the Elan off this auction and put it in the barn, starting it regularly to keep the engine oiled sometimes going along our drive but never got around to doing what I originally intended through lack of time. However you are most welcome to view through Trade Classics procedure.

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Vehicle Location

Coventry

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