Lotus Elan, 1966
Lotus Elan
Lotus Elan•
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Chassis No.: 456145
Auction: Indy 2022
Auction date: May 21, 2022
Lot No.: T162
$31,900 | Sold
- Exterior: Yellow
- Interior: Black
- 1.6L twin-cam inline 4-cylinder engine
- Twin Weber 40DCOE carburetors
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Innovative backbone chassis
- Fiberglass bodywork
- Chapman strut front suspension
- 4-wheel disc brakes
- Minilite alloy wheels
- R-compound Toyo tires
- Momo steering wheels and shoulder harnesses
The Lotus Elan was one of the most innovative and successful production cars to come from Colin Chapman’s Lotus Cars. The ultra-lightweight sports car was successful both on the road and the track, thanks to its tremendous power-to-weight ratio, clever packaging and superb handling. The Elan was the first Lotus to use a steel backbone chassis, which supported independent suspension and disc brakes at all four corners, and a Ford-based 1600cc inline-4 with a twin-cam cylinder head designed by Harry Mundy. With a lightweight body constructed from fiberglass, the Elan was offered as a coupe, convertible or a 2+2 and remained in production for 13 years, from 1962-1975.
Throughout the ensuing decades, the Elan has become a beloved favorite of sports car enthusiasts the world over and even served as direct inspiration for the original Mazda Miata. The example on offer is a highly desirable Series 2, 1966 Elan Coupe finished in yellow with black interior. Combining the purity and simplicity of the early models with refinements developed in those first years of production, this Series 2 Elan is powered by a punchy 1600cc Lotus twin-cam engine, which breathes through dual side-draft Weber carburetors and a sports exhaust.
A 4-speed manual gearbox transmits the engine’s 105 HP to the rear wheels, and excellent disc brakes provide ample stopping power to help slow the car, which weighs a mere 1,485 pounds. Additional features and accessories include a beautiful wood dash, Minilite alloy wheels, R-compound Toyo Tires, Momo steering wheel and racing-style seatbelts with shoulder harnesses. With energetic performance and distinctive style in a compact package, this Elan is certain to thrill its next caretaker.
