1969 Lotus Elan SE

Founded by visionary Colin Chapman, Lotus epitomizes innovation and race-bred performance, having earned seven F1 World Championships. Road cars from the marque began with the Seven in 1957, soon followed by the Elite. The Elan appeared in 1962. Built upon a backbone chassis and considered the first “modern” sports car, the Elan was one of the best handling and most influential cars of its kind. The definitive SE arrived in 1966 with an uprated engine, power brakes, close-ratio gearbox, and taller final drive.

This outstanding example is the product of a painstaking, well-documented restoration with select upgrades from Dave Bean Engineering for enhanced safety and reliability. The work was performed in 2014-2015 under the watchful eye and skilled hands of premier Elan expert Brian Buckland. The engine was rebuilt by Duffee Motorsports and the cylinder head and carburetors were rebuilt by James Unsworth. The consignor, who acquired the Elan in 1972, has enjoyed, maintained, and restored it as a true labor of love. Accordingly, he has amassed an exceptional file of documentation that includes service invoices from 1972-2006 as well as restoration records and photos. He reports that the Lotus has been driven just 600 miles since restoration. Handsome in its factory-original livery, the car’s impressive presentation resulted in the Best Elan Award at the 2014 Annual Lotus Owners Gathering. Offered from long-term ownership and restored to an extraordinary standard, this splendid Elan SE stands as a most fitting exemplar of the rich Lotus heritage.