West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this very rare early 1964 Lotus Elan Series 1 Convertible with its original matching #'s 1,558 CC DOHC Inline 4 cylinder engine with dual twin choke carburetors matched to it's original 4 speed manual gearbox with 4 wheel hydraulic disc brakes, 4 wheel independent suspension, & recently acquired from fastidious ownership and painstakingly restored over several years.
This outstanding Series 1 Lotus Elan is a most fitting exemplar of the rich Lotus heritage. Founded by visionary Colin Chapman, Lotus epitomizes innovation and race bred performance, having earned no less than 7 F1 World Championships. Road cars from the marque began with the Seven in 1957, and soon followed by the Elite. The Elan appeared in 1962. Built upon a backbone chassis and considered by many the first 'modern' sports car and regarded as one of the best handling cars ever made, which is quite some tribute, the Elan was indeed one of, if not the best handling, and most influential cars of its kind.
It's power was exceptional and along with it's light glass fiber 1515 lbs body it was virtually unbeatable in it's class with a top speed of over 120mph and on cornering it neither under or over-steered but could track on a line around the steepest of bends and gave huge levels of grip even on 6.4 inch tires! Available in both open and closed body styles with a fiber glass body and pop up headlamps it progressed through five different series designated S1 to S4 from 1962 through 1971. Imported to the US but in very limited numbers.
This outstanding example is the product of an obviously painstaking handsome restoration boasting it's original factory livery, with an undamaged from new body, a very important consideration in these very vulnerable to crash damage fiber glass cars, and with body parts now very hard to come by, this car is a superb opportunity to own a very rare and internationally desirable 1964 Lotus Series 1 Convertible and a great addition for any American or indeed British classic sports car collector or enthusiast to add to their collection or obviously any 'Lotus' enthusiast!
