Lotus Elan Series 2 | 1966

Lotus Elan Series 2 | 1966

Highlights:

– 1.6-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine, petrol, 4-speed manual transmission

– Complete with both soft top and factory hardtop

– Long-term ownership history, imported from the USA and stored undercover in France

– Simple, well-defined restoration project: engine rebuild and new front wiring loom required

– Lightweight Lotus backbone chassis with fibreglass body, a genuine driver’s classic

The seller offers for sale this 1966 Lotus Elan Series 2, powered by a 1.6-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Finished in a pale yellow livery, this Series 2 Elan is offered complete with both its factory soft top and a matching hardtop, and comes from long-term single ownership. Originally acquired in Los Angeles, the car was later shipped to France, where it has been kept stored undercover ever since and has not been registered locally. The seller describes the project as a straightforward one, requiring an engine rebuild and a new front wiring loom to bring the car back to the road.

Introduced in 1962, the Lotus Elan was a landmark model for Colin Chapman’s company, marking a significant step up in refinement over Lotus’s earlier, more spartan sports cars while retaining the featherweight construction the marque was famous for. Built around a simple steel backbone chassis clothed in a lightweight fibreglass body, the Elan combined nimble handling with genuine everyday usability, complete with a heater and proper weather equipment. The Series 2, introduced in November 1964, refined the original formula further with improved Girling disc brakes, detail bodywork changes and a smarter, full-width veneer dashboard, and is regarded by many enthusiasts as the sweet spot of the range, pairing early Elan looks with meaningful mechanical updates.

Mechanically, the Elan’s twin-cam engine and diminutive kerb weight of around 700kg give the car a lively, responsive character that has long made it a favourite among driving purists, with steering feel so admired that it later influenced the development of the McLaren F1 road car. As a restoration project, this Elan offers a rewarding starting point: the bodywork and interior are described in good order, with the outstanding work concentrated on the mechanical side. For an enthusiast seeking a genuine, numbers-matching Series 2 Elan to recommission, this long-term-owned example, complete with both roofs, represents an interesting opportunity.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

Technical condition

2 — Fair. Noticeable wear and aging; drives but has issues.

Overall condition

1 — Poor. Severe damage or mechanical issues; may not be drivable.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Tarn-et-Garonne department, France.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a United States registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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