Just got a '60s Lotus Elan - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pentoman · #1 05-14-2004, 09:05 PM

OK, my dad just bought an early 1963 Lotus Elan S1, which me and him are going to race.

. I'm only 21 so these cars are way before my time.. what's the deal?

Some people say they handle well, while some people say they were some of the best handling cars ever made.

Does that sound like over-praise?

It will make ~175bhp once it's fully tuned.

Russ

posted here because the Open discussion forum has been the War-talk forum recently..

#2 05-14-2004, 09:08 PM

Too cool! I love those cars, probably only seen a few in these parts.

PICS!

manny · #3 05-16-2004, 07:19 PM

If Colin Chapman built it, you KNOW it handles superb.

MTI · #4 05-16-2004, 08:49 PM

God, I love the smell of Castrol in the morning . . it smells like racing . . .

While the Lotus was ahead of its time when Chapman was building them and Clark was racing it, time didn't stand still. So, have fun, it's like driving a go kart on steroids.

pentoman · #5 05-17-2004, 06:31 AM

Drove it

It's been somewhat tuned (big valve head, cams) and makes probably 120hp.

We weighed it, it was 1549lb = 703kg, over spec for a series 1 like this, but it has a roll bar, speakers and other stuff.

47.8% weight on the rear.

Amazed how refined it is. Expected it to be really spartan, but it has a wood dash, interior lights, cigar lighter & ash trays, and is really comfy. Very smooth ride. More amazingly, I fit perfectly though I'm 6'2".

pic: towing home with our 273,000 mile Audi.

P.S. Look closely in background and see what car the previous owner drives (not the toyota or land rover)

pentoman · #6 05-17-2004, 06:35 AM

I've been searching for a '90 - '92 SL500 for a while, but am now asking myself if it offers anything more.

Some areas it definitely offers much less.

Have we really made progress in the last fourty years? Radar cruise control??

pentoman · #7 05-17-2004, 06:37 AM

MTI · #8 05-17-2004, 04:54 PM

Improvements? Well, synchro trans are nice . . . fuel injection . . . variable timing cams . . . functional heating and cooling systems . . . electrical systems that don't get tempermental in the wet . . . reduction in the amount of wood used in chassis & bodywork . . .

All of the above are mentioned with fond memories of driving open british roadsters on sunny days, with amnesia about the roadside breakdowns.

placo1 · #9 05-18-2004, 05:37 PM

Pentoman,

Very very cool Lotus Elan and it looks like it's in great shape! You definitely need to go into detail on the driving experience of this car.

I've always lusted after great handling small cars including the Elan, Miata and the S2000. IMHO you don't need to drive them rediculously fast to truly enjoy the experience. I'm seriously contemplating buying a Lotus Elise if my 500E sells, tough decision though.

mike65 · #10 05-23-2004, 10:53 AM

I'm sure you dad knows the old joke -

"What does Lotus stand for?"

Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious!

Mike.

Aaron · #11 05-26-2004, 02:31 AM

Pentoman,

Superb automobile indeed!! I have three little Brits in my stable and they're all a blast to drive. Those early Elans, at least over here in the US are hard to come by but either way, you should CHERISH that car even though you are a resident of its homeland. There is a fellow here in town with an Elan just like yours and he has it modified for SCCA vintage racing. If I can contact him through the British car club I will certainly find out information on modifying yours! But I know of a Lotus specialist in England by the name of Paul Matty Sports Cars. I think they may be in or around London? Not exactly round the corner from Bristol, I know but a worthwhile contact. By the way, I will be over there for the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. We should link up!

Aaron · #12 05-26-2004, 02:35 AM

Here is a pic of my TR6 in my workshop...

Aaron · #13 05-26-2004, 02:38 AM

And here are some Lotus examples at the British Car Day in Columbus, Ohio which was last weekend...

pentoman · #14 05-28-2004, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aaron
Pentoman,

Superb automobile indeed!! I have three little Brits in my stable and they're all a blast to drive. Those early Elans, at least over here in the US are hard to come by but either way, you should CHERISH that car even though you are a resident of its homeland. There is a fellow here in town with an Elan just like yours and he has it modified for SCCA vintage racing. If I can contact him through the British car club I will certainly find out information on modifying yours! But I know of a Lotus specialist in England by the name of Paul Matty Sports Cars. I think they may be in or around London? Not exactly round the corner from Bristol, I know but a worthwhile contact. By the way, I will be over there for the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. We should link up!

Thanks for the offer, but my dad's fairly well connected so already has a load of plans ready.

It's a lot of fun to drive, more than I would have thought. I'm definitely more keen on old British cars now than I used to be!

Russ

bdrought · #15 06-02-2004, 09:39 AM

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiice !