I have been a member/lurker for some time who has been trying to finish a 1968 S3 SS coupe project for years. I greatly enjoy the wealth of information and camaraderie amongst Lotus enthusiasts. Reading this forum and stories, I have become so eager to drive one that I couldn’t pass up purchasing this beautiful original 67’ Elan S3 DHC in Lotus Yellow. The VIN is 45/6124. It seems that its largely original and well preserved such as dash, steering wheel, tool roll, tonneau cover, lucas fuses, etc. These fine driving cars are so fun and Im looking forward to learning much more here as I run it through the paces. Its had quite a bit of refreshing on brakes, carbs, clutch, plugs, etc after being in long term storage to get it roadworthy. Although with 54 yr old doughnuts, they will be the first thing I renew. I intend to keep it original down to the generator.
It even still has the original windshield washer fluid bottle in place - cool. I thought mine was pretty original but this one beats it for sure.
I’m not bothered by the rubber donuts - I replaced mine many years ago, I guess when they were still made well enough and have had no trouble with them, although I store the car inside all year, maybe that helps. And you get used to how they drive and react. I’m the second owner of mine and have had it since 1973 so they seem normal to me.
My first Elan was/ is a Super Safety dhc, in 1974. It shares garage space with my pre-airflow coupe, which is just about ready to have the body refitted to the original chassis in a full restoration. I drove the coupe while my SS was being restored 1978-84. I also have another dhc, modified by its original owner to 26R spec when nearly new. I’ve had it since 1984 and it is to be next on the roll around for its restoration. This last one is only about 25 units later than your new acquisition.
I replaced the donuts in the coupe with the high quality ones available back in the early 80’s and I will be re-installing them.
The Veg, I do remember you at Log 37 and enjoyed it as well!
What a fantastic time, I spent most of the weekend on short drives through twisties getting used to her and recognize how wonderfully balanced these cars are. Its amazing how comfortable and compliant the ride is to cruise but how incredible the handling is at any speed it seems! Wow! Some tuning to do to give her a more crisp throttle and better idle, but Lotus tinkering is part of the fun.
It’s a beauty!
