- A 1967 Lotus Elan

Number Six

A 1967 Lotus Elan

2y ago
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The Lotus Elan was named number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960's by Sports Car International.

This was merely confirmation that the Elan was indeed a car that was batting way above its weight in the sports car market. Designed and built by a small British manufacturer with a strong legacy in Motor Sport, there was a strong focus on cost control for the body, chassis, engine and transmission which led to the Elan becoming Lotus' first commercial success, subsequently contributing to the funding for racing over the next ten years, which further served to enhance the Lotus aura.

The Elan was offered as a hard-top or as a roadster, but all were initially based on a very willing and sporty 1498cc 4-cylinder engine which was nonetheless further improved on later models to become a 1548cc twin-cam which was even more desirable.

The four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and all-round independent suspension were so good that in later years Gordon Murray (designer of the McLaren F1 supercar) reportedly said that his only disappointment with the McLaren F1 was that he could not give it the perfect steering of the Lotus Elan.

Truly a drivers car loved by reviewers and owners alike, the E;ans (like most Lotuses) suffered reliability issues which prevented them from being used as a daily driver in most cases.

Now very collectible, an Elan is certainly an investment that can be enjoyed at many levels.

Photographed at Coffee 'n' Chrome Morphettville, South Australia - February 2019

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Comments (4)

  • I fancied an Elan+2 once upon a time. Never bought one though. 🤔

      2 years ago
    • You'll be feebly saying that about a 997 to your grandkids, too.

      You know what you need to do.

        2 years ago
    • Sadly my wallet doesn't match my automotive aspirations. If I bought every car I'd ever considered buying I need about 12 Billion pounds and an 8000 square foot, heated aircraft hangar!

        2 years ago
  • Absolutely beautiful!

      2 years ago
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