Registration - UUT 865H

Chassis No. - 45/9284

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 51,360

The vendor purchased this decidedly handsome S4 form Paul Matty Sports Cars of Bromsgrove as long ago as 1998. Finished in the iconic red, white and gold colours of Gold Leaf Team Lotus and trimmed in black, it is the epitome of 1960s wind-in-the-hair motoring. The engine has been breathed upon and features, among other items, a genuine big valve head that’s been ported and polished, high lift camshaft, hardened valve seats, lightened flywheel and balanced bottom end, and nowadays produces a reliable 150bhp. In 2001 The Elan was unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident which, though relatively mild, was sufficient for the car to be designated a CAT C write off, as the value at the time was no more than £9,000. Ultimately, it was good news for the little Lotus as, rather than just repair the damaged areas, the vendor opted for a complete restoration by SMS Autospray of Spalding, Lincs., based on a brand new galvanised chassis, and he currently classes the engine, transmission and paintwork as ‘excellent’ and the bodywork and upholstery as ‘good’. The car is now offered for sale complete with radio/cassette, a copy of an article in Absolute Lotus that featured ‘UUT 865H’, plus an extensive history file of invoices, MOTs and tax discs.

Based around a steel backbone chassis clad with lightweight glassfibre reinforced plastic bodywork, the Elan boasted all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, pop-up headlights and integral bumpers. Powered by a 1558cc DOHC Ford-based engine, the diminutive and featherweight Lotus redefined its class in terms of ride, handling and performance. The desirable S4 version arrived in March 1968 and, characterised by its wider wheelarches, revised interior and brake servo, was capable of 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds and over 120mph.

In summary:

• ‘UUT 865H’ has remained within is current ownership for 24 years
• Completely restored in 2001 around a new chassis
• Boasts a big valve engine tuned to give 150bhp