Lotus Elan S1

[Ant]

Back to England again.

BTW, I'm doing this poll following Biggie's template, as I couldn't find any more decent pictures of an S1 Elan. So, if any of you find any, feel free to add them to the thread.

[GhostyDog]

I'd say cute but not cool

[73GTVJim]

Not a flattering pic Ant, you're right about that but this is sub-zero.

How many million MX5's have copied its perfectly cute form and blindingly good chassis template?

A supremely competent car of its time, still looks tidy now. OK the TC engine is not all that reliable and they could be frail but that has nothing to do with coolness.

BTW, we all know what LOTUS stands for don't we? Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious.


Double coming from an Alfa site!

[WoodenFlugel]

Gorgeous. Cool, but not sub-zero.

Incidentally I saw a Europa on the motorway going to work this morning. Takes a brave man to battle it out with the lorries on the rush-hour motorways in something that small.

[bazza]

Having seen one (owned by a previous member here) in the flesh and in some detail, it really is a tremendously cool car.

We both brought our new cars for the first time to the same meet - her Elan, and my Fiat Coupe. If I'm honest, she blew me out of the water.

[renone]

Many many moons ago built one just like this at home in the garage.
Took longer then expected as I kept running out of money during the build! I will try to see if I can find any pictures of the build and the finished car and post them here. The car was terrific to drive if a little unforgiving in the wet. Wish i still had her!

[Alfaspeed]

Bugger. Damn. Arse.

I really wanted to hate this car. After Ants somewhat vague introduction i did a little searching and found some more pics. I wish i hadn't. I dont like Lotus. Never have. I cant appreciate a car company that does wonders for other marques and yet completely hashes up their own. Sure, the Elise handles great, and is fairly fast, but you cant go fast in it just in case you need to bail out as it's caught fire. It looks rubbish too.

This little car though, has something about it. I like it. I hate to like it. Maybe it's because its not too dissimilar to the Spider. But i like it. It's cool.

[symon]

Cool but not quite sub zero.

[VeloceMitch]

Originally Posted by bazza

Having seen one (owned by a previous member here) in the flesh and in some detail, it really is a tremendously cool car.

We both brought our new cars for the first time to the same meet - her Elan, and my Fiat Coupe. If I'm honest, she blew me out of the water.

I agree, super cool car and I was highly amused to hear she kept the bonnet in her Bedroom

[Darkrider]

Originally Posted by 73GTVJim

Not a flattering pic Ant, you're right about that but this is sub-zero.

How many million MX5's have copied its perfectly cute form and blindingly good chassis template?

A supremely competent car of its time, still looks tidy now. OK the TC engine is not all that reliable and they could be frail but that has nothing to do with coolness.

What he said!

[bazza]

Originally Posted by VeloceMitch

I agree, super cool car and I was highly amused to hear she kept the bonnet in her Bedroom

I don't think I heard that one!

Also, you didn't have to make a point of agreeing to me saying it was nicer than my Coupe

[Roswell]

I nominated this car for the cool wall and I must say I agree with Mr Jim's sentiments entirely.

[Fast Frank]

Me Like

[BigFoot]

Nasty piece of work

[Ant]

I think Biggie doesn't like it too much...

[BigFoot]

Just a tad

[Jed]

The Elan +2 was much, much prettier and looked much more purposeful/sporty IMHO

Still pretty cool though as a bluprint for the MX5

[Pud237]

Just a 'cool' from me, definitely not sub zero..

[jabberwocky]

a million times cooler than the mx-5 will ever be in a million billion years.

of course all lotus cars breakdown all the time and are unreliable, just like alfas always break down

[SPPalfa]

Its an early Lotus - nothing but cool

[David Jarrett]

Its an S4 actually.

....but I know what you mean.

[Ant]

Originally Posted by David Jarrett

Its an S4 actually.

....but I know what you mean.

Is the one in the photo I posted an S4??

[David Jarrett]

Originally Posted by Ant

Is the one in the photo I posted an S4??

Yup, Its got squared off flared wheelarches, +2 rear lights and a bonnet bulge (possibly indicating strombergs rather than weber carbs). It was this series that was developed into the 126bhp Sprint version before the car was deleted in '73.

The S1 had different profile (frameless) doors and daintier wheelarches, tiny rear lights and numerous other minor differences.

The 'baby' elan ran S1 to S4 (and Sprint series) between introduction in 1962 and 1973. The +2 was made 1967-75 I believe.

As you can see, I have stopped taking my medication.

[Ant]

Well, I saw that picture in several sites, and they listed it as an S1, that's why I chose it.

Do you have a decent S1 picture for me to post?? Please??

[Transco010]

Originally Posted by Alfaspeed

Bugger. Damn. Arse.

I really wanted to hate this car. After Ants somewhat vague introduction i did a little searching and found some more pics. I wish i hadn't. I dont like Lotus. Never have. I cant appreciate a car company that does wonders for other marques and yet completely hashes up their own. Sure, the Elise handles great, and is fairly fast, but you cant go fast in it just in case you need to bail out as it's caught fire. It looks rubbish too.

This little car though, has something about it. I like it. I hate to like it. Maybe it's because its not too dissimilar to the Spider. But i like it. It's cool.

Well-I go fast in mine.