Has anyone here owned/driven an original Elan?
 

I may be purchasing a '67 fixed roof coupe in the coming weeks and was wondering how it compares to our 911s.

The car in question had the engine rebuilt and is pumping out about 140 horsepower. The previous owner also had the frame reinforced, the fenders flared, and the suspension rebuilt to a fully adjustable setup. I have yet to actually drive the car as the current owner is currently having the water pump replaced (big surprise). Apparently, the rear axle donuts are only about a year old.

Anyway, any thoughts and impressions on these cars is greatly appreciated.

If you compare it against the 911, you may be disappointed. I would look very hard at the quality of the body and interior. A 911 is pretty well screwed together and built to pretty fine tolerances in comparison to any Lotus.

I spent enough time sitting in the car to realize there is a noticeable difference in build quality without question. The Lotus is a far simpler car that is closer to a kit car than a production car, let alone one as well constructed as a 911.

I guess the thing you have to decide is whether not you can put up with that lack of quality feel when you drive it. Older Ferraris also had some of that kit car feel and after time I found myself growing pretty tired of it. Any 911 really spoils you, in that it's got a feel like it's built like a bank vault.

I would spend more than the usual amount of time driving it and I would make sure to take it on some less than perfect roads. Short test drives really don't give you enough information, I don't think.

Well I'm essentially being offered it a can't-lose price so at the very worst, I could likely resell it on a site like BaT and at the least recoup my cash outlay in the spring.

As you can see from my signature, I also own a Scout which is endearing in its poor quality of materials and assembly so I'm not necessarily turned off by it.

I appreciate the input. I was kind of curious how I would adapt to the overall quality of the car.

I have a friend that has a Lotus Europa and a '75 Carrera. He says the Lotus is definitely like a kit car compared to the 911. He also doesn't feel all that safe in the Lotus as there's very little in the way of protection if you're in a crash. I've ridden in the Lotus and it's like being in an oversized go kart. Fun, if you like looking up at most other cars on the road.

Cool, and that's exactly what I want out of the driving experience. I don't plan on using it on the interstate or for any distance driving, just a toy for the local backroads and cars and coffee.

Sounds like a win/win situation then. You can drive it enough to decide if you want to keep it or sell it. In the mean time you get the alternate driving experience.

Never owned or driven one, but I see them every now and then at the local lotus meetings. They are tiny (captain obvious) and seem like a real blast to drive. My 930 feels like driving a Cadillac compared to my Exige. Its hard to beat the joy of driving a truly lightweight and nimble car IMHO.

Elan should feel quite quick with 140hp as well.

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I can tell you they are small. Very small

I had a 66 Elan. As others have said, it's a kit car but insanely fun. Just don't drive on any roads with other cars because a Honda Civic will crush you. When I sold mine the buyer put it in the back of a Ford F250. I kid you not.

Do it, and post pictures! I've never driven one but think they are beautiful cars. Sounds like this one is a no-brainer if you can ultimately make money on it.

Never driven an Elan but I had a blast driving my big sister's tiny Fiat 850 Spider

I really liked the idea of one and just about lusted after them for a while. Then I saw one in person, no way I'd fit. If you do, buy it and drive the chit out of it. Good luck.

Trouble is the 911 drives like a bank vault too in comparison to an Elan.
I think that seeking to compare the two is fruitless...the Lotus isn't 'like a kit car'.. it is a kit car; designed in so that it could be self assembled.

It is also so very much lighter that any dynamic comparison makes the 911 look clumsy and and static comparison makes the Lotus look cheap and nasty.

It sounds like you'll be able to enjoy it for what it is on narrower, twisty roads, free from most traffic and if you don't like it can sell it and recoup your money...and always remember they were designed for UK roads in the 60s.....

For what it’s worth, I’m 5’11” and 190 pounds and fit comfortably in it. They are roomier than I expected.

Love Jay Leno's car. But then, he has lots of cars I love.

I've never owned one, but I have driven an S3 or S4 (can't remember which) with abut the same power output. All the above comments re: kit car feel, etc. are correct. But Man, i have never driven a more telepathic street car than that Elan. The fun factor was off the charts. It was tremendously communicative of what was going on at the tires - I was driving it at safe speeds, but it felt like a car that is really easy to drive near the limit because it tells you what is going on with the chassis and contact patches so, so well and it does it right now. Best turn-in ever, I think. If you're able to get et it at a can't lose price, buy it and enjoy it. By the way, it is tiny. Even a Miata sort of towers over it.

Have you tested out a Miata?
It has been said it is a Japanese Elan.