Wandering around the car park
at Goodwood
, trying in earnest to remember where your car is lurking, is never the chore it may sound to some. That's because it's guaranteed that the fields will be crammed with interesting cars. And at the Members' Meeting on Sunday, there seemed to be a host of Lotus Elans in attendance.
Dealer a treasure trove of lovely classics
It's not hard to see why. Those achingly pretty looks combine with dynamics that are unanimously praised to create one of the most coveted roadsters ever. With basic amenities like a radio and heater (travelling
in a Caterham
makes you appreciate these) makes it usable too, or at least realistic summer transport. A British roadster entering its sixth decade will need careful maintenance, sure, but doesn't it look worth the effort?
Furthermore, being recognised as one of Lotus's greatest cars means Elan values are strengthening. An online buying guide from November 2010 stated that prospective buyers 'should be prepared to spend well over £20,000 for the best models'. On PH the lowest price Elans are £20K with nearly double that now required for the very best. Admittedly the Elans at nearly £40K are fabulously restored Sprints, probably better than new, but it's worth illustrating all the same.
Power not far off new Elise and even lighter!
The chassis and the paint appear to be the big issues with Elans, with around £5K needed to renew each. This Elan S4 SE, one of the cheapest available on PH, has the former but not the latter so that would be worth bearing in mind. But dark green works so well with the wood and the oatmeal leather, so it must be worth preserving properly.
It's hard to look at the Elan and not wonder what a modern version would be like. The Europa proved a little too uncompromising for those after an everyday sports car, but imagine something pitched at the upcoming MX-5 with a similarly lithe kerbweight and perhaps a tad more focus. Perhaps the Ford Ecoboost engine that didn't quite work in Caterham could power it. The hood has to be easy to operate, you shouldn't have to fold yourself in and the stereo needs to be half decent. Some kind of boot would be handy. Lotus dynamics without the compromise. Lovely pipe dream, isn't it? Until then, the old Elans and dutiful care will have to suffice.
LOTUS ELAN S4
Engine: 1,558cc four-cylinder
Transmission: Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 117@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 108@4,000rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 1968
Recorded miles: 80,300
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £19,995
See the original advert here.