Description
Lotus Elan Series 2 | 1966
Highlights:
– 1.6-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine, petrol, 4-speed manual transmission
– Complete with both soft top and factory hardtop
– Long-term ownership history, imported from the USA and stored undercover in France
– Simple, well-defined restoration project: engine rebuild and new front wiring loom required
– Lightweight Lotus backbone chassis with fibreglass body, a genuine driver’s classic
The seller offers for sale this 1966 Lotus Elan Series 2, powered by a 1.6-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Finished in a pale yellow livery, this Series 2 Elan is offered complete with both its factory soft top and a matching hardtop, and comes from long-term single ownership. Originally acquired in Los Angeles, the car was later shipped to France, where it has been kept stored undercover ever since and has not been registered locally. The seller describes the project as a straightforward one, requiring an engine rebuild and a new front wiring loom to bring the car back to the road.
Introduced in 1962, the Lotus Elan was a landmark model for Colin Chapman’s company, marking a significant step up in refinement over Lotus’s earlier, more spartan sports cars while retaining the featherweight construction the marque was famous for. Built around a simple steel backbone chassis clothed in a lightweight fibreglass body, the Elan combined nimble handling with genuine everyday usability, complete with a heater and proper weather equipment. The Series 2, introduced in November 1964, refined the original formula further with improved Girling disc brakes, detail bodywork changes and a smarter, full-width veneer dashboard, and is regarded by many enthusiasts as the sweet spot of the range, pairing early Elan looks with meaningful mechanical updates.
Mechanically, the Elan’s twin-cam engine and diminutive kerb weight of around 700kg give the car a lively, responsive character that has long made it a favourite among driving purists, with steering feel so admired that it later influenced the development of the McLaren F1 road car. As a restoration project, this Elan offers a rewarding starting point: the bodywork and interior are described in good order, with the outstanding work concentrated on the mechanical side. For an enthusiast seeking a genuine, numbers-matching Series 2 Elan to recommission, this long-term-owned example, complete with both roofs, represents an interesting opportunity.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
2 — Fair. Noticeable wear and aging; drives but has issues.
Overall condition
1 — Poor. Severe damage or mechanical issues; may not be drivable.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
