1967 Lotus Elan S3. Caterham USA Supersport Ford Zetec 2.0L. 200BHP. 1500 lbs.

1967 Lotus Elan Description

1967 Elan S3. I have been (partially) daily driving this Elan for the last several months. I have recently installed a new exhaust system from the headers back, and new battery. Within the last month I stripped the old interior and installed Noico sound deadening, in addition to padded insulation, before having a new carpet interior professionally installed. The exterior grid design was personally applied with pin stripe tape and can easily be removed in about 1 hour (I have included an image before the tape was applied). The previous owner took on the project of refurbishing, strengthening and restoring the chassis, suspension, interior and brakes. He is a qualified race mechanic and team owner. The results of his year’s long project are illustrated well, producing a street-able confident cruiser, stable in the corners, with excellent braking. The car is very well sorted, with high quality parts, lines, and fittings used throughout. The electrical work is exceptional and clean. The previous owner commissioned a Caterham dealer to build a Caterham USA specced Supersport Ford Zetec 2.0L for installation. This naturally aspirated motor puts out approximately 200 BHP, all while still being under-stressed and tractable. The engine was rebuilt, including ARP rod bolts, and it runs a relatively mild Kent cam. The TWM throttle bodies have been recently cleaned and lubricated, with updated springs replaced. The motor has a Raceline UK alloy wet sump designed for the new Formula Ford series, baffled with deep fins that do not lose oil pressure in the corners. The engine does not leaks oil. It is mated to a close ratio, Quaife straight cut gear set in the Elan gearbox case. Shifting through the gears is easy, and the gearbox feels very stout. At highway cruising speeds of 65 to 70mph, the engine is at about 3,000 to 3,500 rpm. All of the lights / gauges / switches, and wipers work with the exception of the fuel gauge. Windows work great. This is easily one of the fastest, best handling, and most reliable Elans available. I am 6ft tall and 185 lbs, and am very comfortable inside. I was originally looking at Lotus Sevens and Caterhams, however I decided on this Elan because you get all of the benefits of a Caterham spec build, but with the added benefit of more space, decent weather equipment / windows, exceptional handling / steering, and the desirability of owning a 1967 Elan. To replicate this build, you would easily have to spend over $40k - $50k in parts / labor and a donor car. Clear CA title in hand. I have additional images that I can send to interested parties if needed. If you have additional questions and would like to set up a time to talk, feel free to send me a text on my cell at 909-815-7654.
DRIVING VIDEO - YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/eFVxV9GVqG8
At the time of restoration, the following is a list of specs and work carried out:
-Body removed. Underside cleaned and body mounting areas repaired and re-enforced where necessary.
-Chassis stripped, checked for straightness and buttresses added at known weak points. Powered coated.
-Calipers rebuilt. New brake master cylinder. New brake hard lines throughout the chassis. New brake pads and discs.
-Hand brake system over hauled. Hand brake holds on a hill!
-All wheel bearings replaced front and rear.
-New suspension bushes and rubber mounts.
-Custom made engine isolator mountings.
-Caterham high efficacy aluminum radiator and cooling fan.
-New clutch master cylinder and annular release bearing.
-Headlamp vacuum system rebuilt, sorted, with all new pipes, joints and valves.
-Window lift system rebuilt with new cables, pulleys and buffer strips.
-Wiring sorted, repaired and secured as needed.
-Alternator and starter motor rebuilt.
-New Ford coil pack.
-New 8 gallon fuel cell.
-New fuel lines throughout.
-Rebuilt and strengthened the battery mount.
-New battery master switch.-Kodiak racing wheels with new Toyo Proxes R888 tires.
-New soft top.
-New Momo Monte Carlo 12.6” steering wheel.
-New drivers side Corbeau high backed racing seat.
-Roll over bar tied into chassis.