1968 Lotus Elan Series 4

LOTUS ELAN S4 SE FHC TYPE 36 (1968) The quintessence of the British roadster: lightness, agility and pure driving sensation! A true embodiment of Colin Chapman's genius and his famous maxim "Simplify, then add lightness", the Lotus Elan S4 remains an absolute benchmark amongst the sports cars of the 1960s. Produced in fewer than 3, 000 examples between 1968 and 1971, the S4 variant represents the ultimate evolution of the classic model before the Sprint. The car presented is an SE specification in closed coupé form. It incorporates the aesthetic and technical refinements specific to this series, notably slightly widened rear wheel arches, centre-lock alloy wheels, leather-trimmed steering wheel, and improved interior trim with full carpeting. Vehicle Details First Registered: 05/ 08/ 1968 Mileage: 26, 000 km on the clock (116, 000 km original) Exterior Colour: Carnival Red (Code C211) Interior Colour: Black Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox (Rear-wheel drive) Engine Power: 119 bhp (Lotus-Ford Twin Cam 1. 6L engine) History and Maintenance First registered in the United Kingdom in summer 1968, this motor car benefits from exceptional provenance. Its file contains complete administrative traceability including British MOT records since 1975, as well as French service records since its arrival in France. A comprehensive restoration of the vehicle was undertaken between 1991 and 1995 (photographic documentation provided). The current owner, who has cherished it for nearly 20 years, acquired it in 2008 from the renowned British specialist Paul Matty Sports Cars in Birmingham. On that occasion, the establishment professionally converted the driving position to left-hand drive and replaced the original miles-per-hour speedometer with a kilometres-per-hour unit. It has since been meticulously maintained and stored under cover. Recent Work The vehicle has received careful attention and major mechanical interventions: Engine & Cylinder Head: Top-end overhaul, cylinder block resurfacing/ honing and new valve installation. Engine compressions measured: 13 – 12. 8 – 13. 5 – 12. 8 bar. Fuel System & Carburettion: Fuel line replacement, carburettor adjustment/ synchronisation and choke servicing. Chassis & Brakes: Handbrake shoe replacement, preventative rust treatment applied to chassis. Comfort & Electrical: Heating system overhaul and starter motor optimisation. Technical Specification Engine: 4-cylinder Lotus-Ford Twin Cam 1, 558 cc (1. 6L) Power: 119 bhp Torque: 152 Nm at 4, 600 rpm Fuel System: Twin Weber 40 DCOE 31 twin-choke carburettors Transmission: Rear-wheel drive, 4-speed manual gearbox Performance: Maximum speed 193 km/ h – 0 to 100 km/ h in 9 seconds Front Suspension: Independent double wishbone with lightweight alloy upper and lower arms, coil springs and telescopic dampers Rear Suspension: Chapman Strut with integrated coilover springs and dampers, with driveshaft forming the upper arm Braking: 4 ventilated disc brakes Wheels & Tyres: 13-inch centre-lock alloy wheels, fitted with Avon Enviro 165/ 70 R13 tyres Lighting: Retractable headlights with pneumatic actuation Equipment and Presentation Semi-bucket sports seats and black grained vinyl door trim in Stag style Teak-veneered dashboard with full instrumentation Three-spoke sports steering wheel Commemorative "World Champion Car Constructor" badge (1963 – 1965 – 1968) on the bodywork Full carpet trim throughout, including the rear boot Documentation French registration document (Carte Grise) MOT equivalent inspection passed (will be renewed for sale) Comprehensive file of invoices dating from the 1980s onwards Complete history of MOT and French technical inspections Comprehensive photographic documentation of the 1990s restoration Workshop Manual included Reported Defects The motor car presents a very fine overall condition, both cosmetically and mechanically. Very light signs of use or minor impacts are visible on the paintwork and bumpers, consistent with its age and use. Location and Terms Location: Available for viewing by appointment in Salon-de-Provence Delivery: Transport and delivery options available on quotation Payment: Bank transfer only Adviser's Note Finding a Lotus Elan S4 SE in this original condition, with clear provenance and meticulously documented history, represents a genuine opportunity today. From the first turn of the key, the enchanting sound of the Lotus Twin Cam engine resonates as an invitation to pure driving. Far more exclusive and refined than the...