[Nobbc] 1966 Lotus Elan S3 Coupe

[Greg Tatarian]

  On 11/2/2010 4:06 PM, andy preston wrote:
> This car looks truly stunning in the photos and I'm sure it cost more than
> the asking price to restore to that standard.

Yes, that's usually the way. Particularly in the last several years with 
Lotuses, because there are fewer qualified Twin Cam engine rebuilders (a 
good rebuild costs $8-10k), and fiberglass and paint can easily top 
$10-15k. Just 4-5 years ago it would not have bee unheard of for a coupe 
of this caliber to sell for $15k, but enough coupes have had their tops 
removed to become DHC cars to help bring up their value. I think it's a 
terrible shame to chop up a coupe, as they didn't make that many of 
them, and the lines are among the very best in my view.
>   I don't know much about Lotus
> but have always loved them and the ilans especially.  It looks like the twin
> to Sarto's coupe so I'd love to get his feedback on it.
Sarto's Elan S3 coupe is really beautiful, and is arguably more 
authentic in some very minor details compared to this car, which has a 
deleted heater valve, added gauges in the dash, Del'lortos instead of 
Webers (typical overseas, but not here), altered fuse box (not a bad 
thing!). The finish in the wheel wells is excellent - someone spent some 
time in there, for sure. Love the look of the riveted steel wheels, 
however one must be careful of 40 year old rivets. It's sitting a tiny 
bit low, which looks really sexy but one must be cautious about 
grounding, but that can be easily adjusted as I see it's got adjustable 
spring perches. It's also got the airflow vents behind the door opening, 
which were not on earlier coupes.
>    I don't think it
> will last long at the asking price.  Maybe time to change the breed.
No need to change - just add one more to the stable. It can make driving 
a slower, less precise handling car less enticing, so be ready to let 
your other cars sit idle a bit more if you buy the Elan. Also, be 
prepared for some parts being 2-3x the cost of those for MGs and 
Triumphs, which were made in vast numbers compared to Elans, and have a 
much smaller supplier chain. Also, make sure you fit, first - the coupe 
doesn't have lots of headroom, though the legroom is great. Nice having 
a top, though!

I've been looking for an S3 Coupe for a few years, but this one's priced 
a little to strong for me, considering the restoration finish date of 
2000, and lack of CV axle upgrade - not that I'm saying it isn't quite 
pretty and very nicely restored!
> Andy
>
> -
Greg Tatarian
1971 Lotus Elan S4 DHC