LOT 348
1970 Lotus Elan S4 'Sprint' Drophead Coupé Registration no. JVW 529H Chassis no. 7105120155G (see text) Engine no. L22068
Estimate: £29,000 - £34,000
Lot 348
1970 Lotus Elan S4 'Sprint' Drophead Coupé Registration no. JVW 529H Chassis no. 7105120155G (see text) Engine no. L22068
The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia|27 June 2014, 14:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood
1970 Lotus Elan S4 'Sprint' Drophead Coupé
Registration no. JVW 529H
Chassis no. 7105120155G (see text)
Engine no. L22068
Registration no. JVW 529H
Chassis no. 7105120155G (see text)
Engine no. L22068
Footnotes
An Elite-type glassfibre monocoque having proved insufficiently rigid when applied to an open car, Lotus boss Colin Chapman came up with a simple but effective steel backbone frame for the company's new Elan sports car. Suspension was all independent with unequal-length wishbones at the front while a wide-base lower wishbone and modified Chapman Strut, ¬ as used in Lotus Grand Prix cars, ¬was employed at the rear. Rack-and-pinion steering was sourced from the Triumph Vitesse and there were Girling disc brakes all round. The Elan's engine was a highly-modified 1,498cc (later 1,558cc) Ford Cortina unit topped with Lotus's own twin-camshaft cylinder head, and both gearbox and differential came from Ford also. As development progressed, the Elan became more civilised, the final Series 4 - introduced in March 1968 - benefiting from dashboard fresh-air vents and improved interior trim and fittings. The bodyshell was slightly thinner - and lighter - than the S3's and featured flared wheelarches accommodating wider wheels, side repeaters and larger Plus 2-style rear lights. Towards the end of production a higher-performance version, the Elan Sprint, was introduced featuring the Tony Rudd-developed 'Big Valve' engine producing 126bhp - some 20 horsepower more than the standard Elan's - and a suitably strengthened transmission. A duo-colour body, gold bumpers and black wheels distinguished the new model. Adequately powerful, light in weight and endowed with exceptional roadholding and handling, the Elan proved an immense commercial success for Lotus, slightly fewer than 9,000 being produced by the time production ceased in 1973.
Although manufactured in May 1970, some months before the Sprint's announcement at the Earls Court Motor Show in October of that year, this example is believed to be one of a number of S4s subsequently returned the factory to be 'refreshed' and upgraded to Sprint specification. The Elan was in 'barn find' condition (see photograph on file) when purchased by the vendor, a long-time Lotus enthusiast who has owned several over the years and currently numbers a '2-11' amongst his collection, which is now being reduced. 'JVW 529H' was restored over a three-year period to Sprint specification, being completed in May 2010. Wider wheels and a larger fuel tank (for long-distance touring) are the only notified deviations from factory specification. Described as in generally good condition, the car is offered with MoT to May 2015 and V5 registration document. (It should be noted that the latter incorrectly records the chassis number as '710S1201556').
Saleroom notices
The chassis plate on this vehicle appears to show number 7085120155G.
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