1970 Lotus Elan S4 SE

The brainchild of Ron Hickman, Lotus’s Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show and promptly redefined its class in terms of ride, handling and performance. One of the most desirable versions, the S4, arrived in March 1968. Characterised by its wider wheelarches, revised interior and brake servo, the variant was capable of 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of over 120mph. With more power (118bhp) and a close-ratio gearbox, SE derivatives were quicker still.

This delightfully unmolested S4 SE drophead is finished in Carnival Red and trimmed in Black vinyl. First registered in March of 1970, the Lotus entered its current ownership in 2013 and has been used extremely sparingly throughout this period. Under the refurbished paintwork lies the original factory chassis in very good condition, commensurate with the modest recorded mileage of just 33,000 (covered by the vendor’s father and the five former keepers). Following a number of years of dry storage, the car has recently been recommissioned by Nigel Grant Motor Engineers of Swinton and has just passed an MOT inspection with no advisories. Ready to use and enjoy; the drophead is offered in totally standard, factory specification, save from a carburettor upgrade from Strombergs, to SU’s.