BaT Auction: 1971 Lotus Elan S4

This 1971 Lotus Elan S4 is a restored example that was sold new in Canada. Prior to the selling dealer’s recent acquisition the car was owned by Richard Reventlow, the half brother of Scarab racing team owner Lance Reventlow. Richard commissioned Steve Smith of Twin Cam Sportscars in Sarasota, Florida to complete a comprehensive restoration less than 1,500 miles ago. Power comes from a rebuilt 1558cc twin-cam four backed by a Ford 4-speed manual gearbox, and the car was also repainted to pay tribute to the Scarab race car. Modifications include a Weber head conversion with twin 40DCOE carburetors, a coated header with stainless steel exhaust pipe, a modern alternator, and an aluminum radiator with more efficient cooling fans. The suspension was refurbished and the braking system was overhauled. This Elan is now being offered with four hard-bound books detailing the restoration, a factory parts manual, car cover, owner’s manual, a copy of the Certificate of Provenance from Lotus Cars, and a clean Florida title.

Originally green, the fiberglass exterior was stripped and refinished in Scarab Blue Sikkens paint to pay tribute to the race car driven by Lance Reventlow. All new exterior trim was applied along with new door seals, a convertible top, and boot. The steel wheels with knockoffs were refinished and wear new Kumho tires at all four corners.

The body was removed from the chassis and the suspension was refurbished. New parts included shocks, bearings, bushings, ball joints, tie-rod ends, and seals, as well as rear half shafts and CV joints. The chassis was stripped and painted along with the wishbone suspension and control arms. A CV joint half-shaft conversion was completed, and all four brake calipers were rebuilt.

The interior was fitted with a new dash pad, wood dashboard, rocker switches, seat covers, carpets, and door seals. Per the seller, all gauges, electronics, and switchgear function as they should. The odometer shows 58k miles and is not believed to be accurate.

Modifications to the cabin include a switch in the ashtray that actuates the electric motor to raise and lower the headlights. The original Colin Chapman signature three-spoke steering wheel and new a wooden style shift knob have been fitted.

The 1558cc twin-cam four was rebuilt by Twin Cam Sportscars Inc. in Sarasota, Florida with new pistons, bearings, seals, and gaskets. Modifications from stock include a Weber head conversion with twin 40DCOE carburetors, electric fans, a coated header with a stainless steel exhaust pipe, a modern alternator conversion, and an aluminum radiator for more efficient cooling. A compression test was conducted and reportedly showed even numbers on all four cylinders. The seller notes a slight oil leak.

A few photos of the underbody show the condition of the chassis, exhaust, suspension, and drivetrain post restoration.

Detailed photos of the build were kept in four hard-bound notebooks and are included in the sale.