Anyone know this Elan?

[fillpoke]

I'm thinking of buying a S4 FHC registration number XDG702J. Price is 22,000 pounds. Condition is very good.What do you think? Does anyone know anything about the car's history? It's in Selby near York in the North of England.Thanks for any help. Dave

[seriouslylotus]

Assume you mean this one?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lotus-Elan-S ... SwWrdbn3dK

[fillpoke]

Yes that's the one.......

[nigelrbfurness]

On the basic assumption the ad is honest, at that price I'd be over there looking at it today with cash in my hand if I didn't have five projects on the go already and I had the space. Its a very good price if the car is clean and solid. Definitely worth a visit and a good look over. Make it quick as I really am tempted!

[Matt Elan]

It looks to be a nice looking car, has had lots of work and is pretty reasonably priced. It was registered on the 25th Jan 1971 so may be a very late S4 or an early Sprint but it has a Stromberg head - which Miles Wilkins book seems to say were only fitted to Federal cars at that time (1970-71). But as we all know the crossover point is vague. Domestic market 1969-1970 Elan S/Es were fitted with Strombergs - so it is all down to the actual build date as to whether the car was originally equipped with Strombergs, and Elans were not selling too well in the 1969-1970s anyway and lots sat unsold at dealers. Purists want the Weber head and all domestic Sprints (late 1970 onwards) were fitted with them - however, I'd ask for the VIN number to ascertain what exactly it is and when it was actually made NOT registered - then you can see if it is original or if has had a head or engine change. And of course a well set up Stromberg car is just about as quick as a Sprint on the road (but don't tell anyone) and a lot less temperamental; ducks and heads for cover....

[fillpoke]

Yes I'd heard that about the Stromberg cars too Matt. Can't beat the look of Webers though!

[Barney]

On the basic assumption the ad is honest, at that price I'd be over there looking at it today with cash in my hand if I didn't have five projects on the go already and I had the space. Its a very good price if the car is clean and solid. Definitely worth a visit and a good look over. Make it quick as I really am tempted!

I realise that it's just an expression but nobody should ever turn up with that sort of cash in hand! Too many rogues out there, not just for a duff car but for the chance of the person "selling" just mugging you. Its a different world these days.

Link is Ebay's own advice.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/3-Things-Buyers-Need-to-Know-to-be-Safe-on-eBay-/10000000000043791/g.html