1962 marks a significant milestone in Lotus history, as it was 50 years ago that the original Elan was first introduced. Principally designed by Ron Hickman, the new car was an instant hit at its launch at the Earls Court Motor Show in October, 1962.
Although the Elan was a truly advanced car for its time, it em-bodied valuable lessons learned from the money losing Elite. A fiberglass body was retained, due to the high cost of tooling up for stamped steel panels. The bodywork rode on a simple fabricated sheet steel frame which was lightweight, but strong enough to accept the power train and suspension loads. Retractable head-lights gave the car a trim look at the front, made necessary by minimum height regulations.
The engine was a twin overhead cam inline four, based on the 116E engine from the Ford Cortina Classic. A new aluminum cylinder head was designed by Richard Ansdale and Harry Mundy, who also designed the Coventry Climax engine used in the Elite and many racing cars. A new cast aluminum timing chest incorporated the water pump, timing chain, tensioner, front crank seal and water inlet. The cylinder head mounted a pair of dual throat 40 DCOE Weber carburetors. The 1498 cc engine produced 100 bhp at 5700 rpm and 102 lb/ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The all-syncromesh four speed transmission was a Ford unit, as was the differential.
Suspension was fully independent all around, with coil over telescopic dampers, as found on racing cars of the day. The rear suspension sported four Rotoflex couplings, also referred to as “donuts”, to accommodate the swing of the rear axles. The front suspension was an unequal length “A” arm design, while the rear featured Colin Chapman’s patented Chapman Strut. Brakes were solid discs front and rear, with dual piston calipers.
The first 22 Elans were produced with the 1498cc engine, after which were replaced by the factory with the new 1558cc engine, which boosted power to 105 bhp and 108 lb/ft of torque.
In November 1964, the Series 2 was introduced. Minor changes included different door handles, smaller pedals, quick release fuel cap, optional knock-on center lock wheels, larger brake pistons, improved master cylinder, redesigned tail lights, and varnished dash board.
After development by privateer teams, Lotus produced a racing ver-sion of the Series 1 and 2 Elans, designated the Type 26R. The chassis was made stronger, the bodywork lighter, the suspension stiffened and lowered, and wider wheel arches to clear the wider racing tires on wider magnesium wheels. The engine was re-worked by British Racing Motors, producing about 160 bhp.
The Series 3, appeared in late 1965. The Elan was now avail-able as a fixed head coupe. The roadster had it’s convertible top redesigned, and electric windows were incorporated. The Special Equipment (SE) models had 115 bhp, higher geared final drive, close ratio gearbox, and servo assisted brakes. The S3 received additional exposure as it was the favored mode of transport by the stunning Emma Peel (Diana Rigg), in the Avengers TV series.
In March of 1968, Lotus rolled out the Series S4. The car featured a thinner and lighter body shell, larger tail lights, and Zenith Stromberg carburetors. These required the addition of the “power bulge” in the bonnet to clear the dashpots. Lotus purists complained and the Webers were restored in non-federal cars.
The Sprint, released in October 1970, was the last version of the Elan. The Sprint featured gold colored bumpers, black wheels, and most sported a distinctive two color paint scheme, with a gold band in between. The red top/white bottom, mimicking the red/white colors of the Gold Leaf Team Lotus race cars, was most popular. The Big Valve engine and high lift cams increased out-put to 126 bhp @ 6500 rpm. The transmission was beefed up to handle the extra power.
The final Elan rolled off the assembly line in August of 1973. Today, the Lotus Elan is still giving enthusiasts all the fun that a sports car should provide. Whether road racing, autocrossing, rallying, or a brisk drive down a two lane, it’s still putting a smile on the face of it’s owner, and those around him and her.
For interesting things that are all Elan, visit: www.lotuselan.net, and http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/at-the-garage/sports-cars/
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