1967 Barn Find Elan S3 ( See Video) SOLD

This may be the “Holy Grail” of barn finds, as this is a true early 1967 Lotus Elan S3 SE DHC, which has been in dry storage for over 30 years. What makes it truly remarkable is that although the chassis is original, it has only surface rust, with no major corrosion, as I can see and will only require a good wire brushing and wax oiling. It’ll be then good for another 50 years (VIN 456701).

Also remarkable for a barn find is that it has history from new, as it’s a one owner car. Yes, I did say one owner. The green logbook is present showing it was first registered in Maidstone, Kent, in May 1967 and was coloured black. This was a special order, as it was not a standard colour for 1967. Also present is its blue V5 DVLA registration logbook from 1980. Again this details it is a one owner Elan.

This Elan also has its very first MOT certificate from 1971 and five others detailing its continual usage up to 1986, when it had covered 112k miles. The car was running perfectly up until storage, but the owner decided to put a more powerful 1650cc Twincam in it. This was a mistake, because the compression ratio was so high, it needed 24v starting to turn it over. The original 1558cc Twincam was reinstalled and the head removed for inspection, but that’s where it was left over 30 years ago.

The car is complete and is original. The Special Equipment twincam cylinder head is present and boxed. The timing chain, timing gears and head bolts have been carefully placed in plastic bags for storage. The Webber carburettors are bolted to the head and look in great condition. The wheels are standard Lotus items and the 155x13 Firestone tyres have plenty of tread, although they may be a little hard after such long storage. Surprisingly they hold air pressure perfectly however.

Even the foot brake works, although a tad spongy. All looks in fine condition underneath and as the exhaust is a stainless steel unit, it is in perfect condition, despite it being about 40 years old.

The radiator is out of the car, but present and there is a period wood-rimmed steering wheel. I believe it’s an original S3 item, but not certain, as I thought they were all leather bound. It’s in good condition however, although there is an aftermarket wheel installed at present. The only missing items are the radio, gear knob and horn push. The battery is period albeit it’ll be useless. All gauges are fitted to the dashboard and as this is a SE version, there is a lockable glove compartment. The dash will need a good sand down and varnish, but is otherwise, in good order. The seats look very good, but the driver’s has a split where the materials meet. The rest of the interior is fantastic, even the door cards are perfect. The rear carpet is fine, but the floor carpets have “had it”.

The paint is old and cracked. It’s obviously had a respray many years ago and is metallic, which would not have been original. It’s not awful however, and I would imagine a good clean and black wax, would make it desirable, while keeping it period. There are some signs of dark green paint in places, so it may have been that colour at one point, although as stated, the paperwork says it’s an original black Elan S3. I’m aware S3s had round rear arches and this and on this Elan they appear squarer with slightly flared arches. Whether this is an experimental shape from Lotus e. g. earlier S4 design, or were updated at some point, I do not know. There is no sign of neither customisation nor accident damage under the wings however and as it’s got its’ original S3 rear Vauxhall Victor rear lights, I cannot explain the small differences. I did want to highlight this anomaly however, so you are all fully aware. What is the most impressive are the panel gaps, as they are factory fresh. The doors do not drop and I have never seen such good panels on an old Lotus. Being an SE, it has side repeater indicators on the front wings. All badges are present and correct. Save for the rear plastic window which has a crack, all the glass is in fine condition and the windscreen displays a period original Lotus Driver’s Club sticker. 

To sum up this little darling- all I would do to the Elan if I had the time, money and inclination to keep it, is to get the Lotus engine mildly rebuilt, kept standard, change the rubber items such as pipes and hoses, refill the brake and clutch system with new clean fluid, give the entire car a thorough clean and turn the key to see what happens. There are two sets of door and ignition keys, by-the-way and it even has its’ original Tourneau cover and removable hood, so although it is a project, it is far, far from the normal basket case restoration project and will roll easily onto a car trailer for collection. 

Please call Andrew evenings or weekends on the details below or the details below. The Elan is located in a well-lit garage (outside Shaftesbury, North Dorset) and can be viewed for inspection prior to the auction end. I will, however, need a £500 PayPal deposit immediately upon the end of the auction, with cleared funds before or upon collection, as it will be offered to the second placed bidder if the winner fails to pay either the deposit or the balance.

We all get excited with some EBay motors. However, please take time to consider this project, before you bid, as I have experienced time-wasters in the past and it’s not funny. There is no “buy it now” price and the highest bidder wins this lovely little 1967 Lotus Elan Se DHC.

I am a long, long term Club Lotus member and have 100% positive feedback. I would truly love to keep this elan and will be truly sad to see it go, but other major project force a reluctant and genuine sale. Thank you for looking and good luck with bidding.
Please click on the link below for a YouTube walk around video-
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The EBay advert can be found by clicking on this link-

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