1968 Lotus Elan S4 DHC Black Badge

Please note this is an added lot and is therefore not in the printed catalogue.

Over time, it would appear that modern sports cars have strayed from the original formula. A true sports car is about being light, having finesse and offering a focus on handling rather than sheer speed. The Lotus Elan was a masterpiece in this regard and Colin Chapman rightfully earned his acclaim for crafting such an engaging and fabulous sports car. 'To say that driving the Elan is immense fun is almost an understatement. It is a car which keeps young men young and makes old men younger…'

The Elan's legacy lies in its minimal weight philosophy. At just 640kg, it was the first road-going Lotus to combine a steel backbone chassis with a fiberglass body, delivering unmatched agility and handling. As Chapman proudly stated in the original launch material, 'We wanted to build you a fun car'. Power comes from the renowned 1,558cc Lotus Twin-Cam engine, sending power through a 4-speed gearbox to the rear wheels. The car also boasts all-round disc brakes, independent suspension, and rack and pinion steering, cutting edge features for the era and remain impressive even today.

Introduced in 1968, the Elan S4 represented the final refinement of the original Elan before the advent of the +2 and later Sprint models. Building on the success of the S1, S2 and S3, the S4 incorporated numerous upgrades designed to enhance reliability, comfort, and performance, while staying true to the Elan’s lightweight philosophy. Visually, it featured revised bodywork with wider wheel arches, improved bonnet design, and stronger bumpers and mechanical enhancements included updated suspension components and improved electrics.

The Carnival Red S4 DHC offered here is rather special for a number of reasons. Primarily, it is one of a very limited number of Black Badge cars, also known as the ‘Colin Chapman Edition’ produced to commemorate the tragic passing of Chapman’s close friend and legendary racing driver Jim Clark. As a tribute, these Elans were fitted with distinctive black Lotus badges and a steering wheel bearing Colin Chapman’s signature.

Remarkably, this car has had just two owners from new. It was purchased new by our vendor's boss who kept, cherished, maintained and restored the car in his ownership until reaching an age that meant getting in the car was simply not feasible anymore and selling it to our vendor after a few persistent years of asking to buy it. The car has reportedly covered just 52,274 miles from new, although an unfortunate lack of history file prevents this being warranted. The car’s original elderly enthusiast owner took the car for its MOT annually until 2022, after which it was carefully stored in our vendor’s temperature-controlled collection.

This car benefits from a comprehensive body-off restoration undertaken by the original enthusiast owner, an undoubted perfectionist, ensuring it has been returned to its former glory. Highlights of the work include:

• Full engine rebuild
• New clutch
• Brake system rebuild
• Bare-shell repaint in classic red
• Refurbished wheels with new tyres
• Suspension stripped and rebuilt
• Chassis cleaned and painted

While the mechanicals and bodywork have been brought up to a high standard, the interior remains original, serving as a testament to the care and attention this Elan received throughout its life.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented, wholeheartedly authentic and undeniably collectible Elan S4 Black Badge, a car that has never been raced or rallied, simply cherished, driven and meticulously preserved by true Lotus devotees.