1965 Lotus Elan S2

1965 Lotus Other Description

I bought the car four years ago and have put about 3,000 miles on it.

The car is registered as an S2, but it must have been an early S2, since some S1 features are present (taillights, etc.).

There are 52,500 miles showing on the odometer, which works well, although the speedometer does not. (I drive by the tachometer, anyway.)

The Twin Cam, Weber-headenginestarts easy and runs well.

The car handles fine and gets lots of thumbs up and double takes wherever it is driven.

Theseats, refinished in cloth,are a bit overstuffed so they are comfortable.

The transmission was rebuilt by the previous owner and shifts great.

New drivedonutswere installed a few years ago by the previous owner, and are in good shape.

The clutchandbrakesare good.Clutchmaster and slave cylinders were recently rebuilt.

The previous owner got rid of the vacuum-activated headlights and installed tiny struts to hold the lights up. This gets rid of the annoying headlight droop when going up a hill. It means you have to raise each headlight by hand.

The previous owner removed the springs that raised the hood when you pulled the two levers in the cockpit. Instead, he added a tiny plastic strip on the back edge of the hood that you pull while also pulling the two levers. (I know, three hands, right? But it seems to work.)

The convertible topis old but complete. It has a few patches but it keeps out the rain. The rear window is clear. I took the top off when I got the car and it hasn’t been on since.

Rear fenders have slight flares.

The paint looks good unless you get really close up. It has a few scratches and chips.

The front tires rub slightly against the fenders when the car is loaded and extreme turns over dips/gutters are made.

Since I bought the car, the following has been done to it:

1. It has a new alternator and a new battery.

2. It has a new set of 155-13 tires, as close as I could get to the 145’s that came on the car originally.

3. The motor mounts were replaced last year.

4. Because of oil leaks, I had the cam cover gaskets/seals and front crankshaft seal replaced. Some oil leaks remain (it is an old British car, after all; you’ll want an oil pan.

5. The fuel pump has been overhauled.

6. I had the radiator checked and a leak repaired.

7. The exhaust system was repaired (leaks) and remounted.

8. It has new spark plugs.

9. The wheel bearings were adjusted and repacked.

10. Because the steering seemed loose, I had the steering tie rods tightened.

I find that I am not driving it much. I’d owned two other Elans in the ‘70s, and wanted to experience the car again, but at 77 years of age I’m happier in my 2014 Porsche Cayman. The car ought to go to someone who will enjoy it and drive it more than I do.