13th May, 2023 13:00
An Auction of Classic and Performance Cars and Motorcycles
1966 Lotus Elan Fixed Head Coupe
Sympathetically restored, equipped with desirable upgrades
Registration - ETM4 74D
Chassis No. - 6202
M.O.T. - May 2023
Odometer - 33,148
‘ETM4 74D’ has been the subject of much attention within the last five years and, though the body has not been restored, the backbone chassis, suspension and twin-cam engine have all been overhauled within that period, since when the powerplant has been subjected to less than 1,000 miles of wear. The S3 has, however, been started regularly and stored in a heated garage. It has also benefited from a number of upgrades including: the cylinder head being rebuilt to Sprint specification; the lightening and balancing of the engine’s bottom end; the addition of a four-branch manifold and stainless steel exhaust system; and fitment of fully adjustable suspension all-round. The Elan is finished in white and trimmed in black vinyl, and the vendor presently regards its engine and four-speed manual gearbox as ‘excellent’ and the bodywork, paintwork and upholstery as ‘good’. He is now selling the little Lotus complete with a facia plaque from what was presumably the suppling dealer, Plough Motors of Stonehouse Glos., a Motorola radio, workshop manual, variety of marque publications, plus a comprehensive file of photos and invoices covering the restoration work. We understand the car will also have a full 12 month’s-worth of MOT by the time of the sale.
The brainchild of Lotus design and development engineer Ron Hickman, the original Lotus Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show as a replacement for the Elite. It was based around a steel backbone chassis (a.k.a. the 'Chapman Bracket') and clad with lightweight glassfibre reinforced plastic bodywork. The engine was clever too, and comprised a Harry Mundy-designed light-alloy DOHC cylinder head mounted on Ford’s proven 1,498cc (later 1,558cc) four-cylinder ‘Kent’ bottom end. With the S3 version of 1966 came such welcome refinements as electric windows and the option of a fixed head coupe. Some 2,084 examples of the S3 had been made by the time production ceased in May 1968.
In summary:
- The subject of recent chassis, suspension and engine restoration
- The engine has seen less than 1,000 miles of wear since its rebuild
- Specification includes upgrades to both the engine and suspension
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £22,500
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - ETM4 74D
Chassis No. - 6202
M.O.T. - May 2023
Odometer - 33,148
‘ETM4 74D’ has been the subject of much attention within the last five years and, though the body has not been restored, the backbone chassis, suspension and twin-cam engine have all been overhauled within that period, since when the powerplant has been subjected to less than 1,000 miles of wear. The S3 has, however, been started regularly and stored in a heated garage. It has also benefited from a number of upgrades including: the cylinder head being rebuilt to Sprint specification; the lightening and balancing of the engine’s bottom end; the addition of a four-branch manifold and stainless steel exhaust system; and fitment of fully adjustable suspension all-round. The Elan is finished in white and trimmed in black vinyl, and the vendor presently regards its engine and four-speed manual gearbox as ‘excellent’ and the bodywork, paintwork and upholstery as ‘good’. He is now selling the little Lotus complete with a facia plaque from what was presumably the suppling dealer, Plough Motors of Stonehouse Glos., a Motorola radio, workshop manual, variety of marque publications, plus a comprehensive file of photos and invoices covering the restoration work. We understand the car will also have a full 12 month’s-worth of MOT by the time of the sale.
The brainchild of Lotus design and development engineer Ron Hickman, the original Lotus Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show as a replacement for the Elite. It was based around a steel backbone chassis (a.k.a. the 'Chapman Bracket') and clad with lightweight glassfibre reinforced plastic bodywork. The engine was clever too, and comprised a Harry Mundy-designed light-alloy DOHC cylinder head mounted on Ford’s proven 1,498cc (later 1,558cc) four-cylinder ‘Kent’ bottom end. With the S3 version of 1966 came such welcome refinements as electric windows and the option of a fixed head coupe. Some 2,084 examples of the S3 had been made by the time production ceased in May 1968.
In summary:
- The subject of recent chassis, suspension and engine restoration
- The engine has seen less than 1,000 miles of wear since its rebuild
- Specification includes upgrades to both the engine and suspension
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: An Auction of Classic and Performance Cars and Motorcycles, 13th May, 2023
Our May auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes will take place at Mavericks in Holywell, North Wales (half an hour’s drive from Chester).
There will be free parking for auction attendees.
Entries are now being invited, and sellers will benefit from Hampson’s unique offering of zero sellers commission for physical auctions, meaning that vendors keep 100% of the hammer price achieved for their vehicles.
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Viewing Days:
Friday 12th May 2pm - 7pm
Saturday 13th May 9am - 1pm
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
