Lotus Elan S3

1967 Elan S3. This is a very special car. In it’s past it was slated to be a dedicated autocross car. In fact did win a national championship. It then took a circuitous route to northern California and the local autocross circuit. At some point the Lotus Twin cam motor was damaged and the then current owner commissioned a Caterham dealer to build a Caterham USA specced Supersport Ford Zetec for installation. This motor puts out approximately 200 BHP. All while still being under-stressed and tractable. It was mated to a close ratio, Quaife straight cut gear set in the Elan gearbox case. The rest of the car was rough and unadorned 1970’s auto cross. Huge wheels and even bigger fender flares. Or as the Brits like to say, big wings. The current owner took on the project of refurbishing, strengthening and restoring the chassis, suspension, interior and brakes. He is a qualified race mechanic and team owner and the results of his years long project shine through making this car a streetable confident cruiser, stable in the corners, with excellent braking. Yet a blistering fast Elan. Well sorted and incredible fun on the back roads or even on an autocross course or as a track day car.