Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Lotus Elan S2 Roadster

Chassis Number – 3812
Exterior Color - Maroon
Interior Color – Black
Engine Type – 1600cc DOHC inline four-cylinder
Gearbox – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 64,050 TMU
Current Owner – Purchased in 2021

Highlights of This Car

-Desirable twin dual throat side-draft Weber carburetors
-An unrestored long-term California owned example

General History

The Lotus Elan arrived at the British International Motor Show at Earls Court October, 1962. Chasing some of the industry’s top offerings, Jaguar had launched the E-Type, AC had begun to offer the Cobra, and Ferrari was offering their GTO, these powerful and expensive machines were in stark contrast to the lightweight and cleverly constructed Elan. Using a revolutionary monocoque construction chassis and new production methods, the Elan made it clear that Lotus was ready to compete against volume manufacturers with a world class sports car. The backbone chassis, lightweight molded fiberglass body, four-wheel independent suspension, and the new 100+hp Lotus Twin Cam engine provided eager enthusiasts with a delightful package capable of delivering enjoyable driving at a nominal cost. The Elan would eventually become Lotus’s largest commercial success through the production run, literally reviving Lotus from near collapse, essentially saving the company that continues to thrive today.

Cosmetic Overview

Although the early history of this car is not known, the current owner purchased the car from the long-term owner who had bought the car many years ago from a resident of San Jose, CA. The former owner had competed in a few Ferrari Club Autocross events with it before placing it in long term storage. Still bearing the California blue and yellow license plate LOTUS 26. The last registration is shown to be September 1984. Based on the former owner's recollections, the car has been stored since 1984, and has remained inoperable while in storage.

Today this Lotus displays visual condition consistent with original features, generally sound construction, and largely original components. And while the car is complete and presentable, the engine has not been started in some time and should be inspected and carefully recommissioned before attempting to start it. Likely best considered as a candidate for thoughtful restoration, the faded paint has aged with some areas more pronounced than others. The body surface displays crazing and scratches, but there are no visual signs of damage, structural cracking, or evidence of accident damage. The panel fit is generally good for the doors and bumpers; however, the trunk sits low on the passenger side and the hood appears to have slightly flattened over time, with panel gaps that are not consistent around the hood perimeter. The painted headlight buckets remain in good condition with good fit to the openings. The trim, glass, and plastic lenses are in good condition. The wheels and wheel covers will serve as sound candidates for refurbishment, and while at least two of the tires hold air, all will need to be replaced.

The unrestored black interior appears to be original and in serviceable condition should one wish to selectively clean and recommission the interior. The seats are covered with black vinyl, the center console is finished in a similar manner, and the door panels, while complete and showing signs of age, can be tidied up, while the chrome grab handles and ash trays can be polished to usable condition. The seating surfaces are rather nicely preserved, showing signs of age but again, candidates for use as is with proper freshening overall, even if the seat foam will need eventual replacement. The dashboard, center console, and door panels all reflect generally consistent age, and represent an excellent starting point for a complete restoration should the next owner wish to embark on such a rewarding task. The dashboard wood has weathered quite a bit, the radio is missing, and the dash pad requires attention, but the instruments are in generally good condition although the inner gasketing has melted over time and the bezels show the effects of age. The steering wheel is in generally good condition and could be polished and the rim finished with a new leather wrap. Although the windshield and side glass are in place, all three pieces will require cleaning and polishing. There is no top for this car, although two convertible top irons are included with the car. The trunk appears to also be unrestored with a factory jack in place.

Under the hood, the Lotus twin cam engine displays evidence of red paint formerly fully covering the cast alloy cam cover. Flanked by twin Weber 40 DCOE 18 dual throat carburetors and what appears to be the original air intake plenum, the engine and engine compartment appear sound and complete though a complete restoration would be very rewarding particularly given the beautifully simplistic power and presentation of these high revving engines.

Underneath, the chassis displays condition consistent with unrestored cars, with no immediately visible structural damage and generally good condition noted to the components with surface rust apparent on metal areas. The passenger side rear suspension arm appears to have a kink in one of the metal rods. Evidence of long-term storage can be seen in a few areas where soft lines and rubber will need attention, however the overall condition is complete and reflective of factory features and components.

Neither we nor the current owner have attempted to start the car. As previously noted, this Lotus has not been operational for many years while in storage.

Included with this car

The car is accompanied by a factory jack, a black tonneau cover, side window frames, a few convertible top irons, a sales brochure, and two pieces of period sports car literature covering aspects of Lotus cars.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608