Should I change the colour of my S3 s/e dhc?
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Heeeeelp. My 30+ year wait finally came to an end 2 weeks ago when I bought my 1st Elan. It?s a bit of a project, however I can?t wait to get started. My question is should I change the original colour from citrus white? When I first saw the car I disliked the colour however I was sold on the originality and provenance; it was a no brainer. (1) If I was to change the colour to a period and more popular colour, would this affect the value if I sold the car in the future? (2) in your option what colour is most sort after?
- Kevinjlowe
- New-tral
- Posts: 7
- Joined: 30 May 2018
Did you check with Andy Graham if the white IS the original colour ?
1964 S1 (at paint shop)
1967 S3 DHC
1969 S4 FHC (at BB's home)
https://theelanman.com for details on Brian Bucklands book.
https://shop.lotus-books.com for more Lotus related books.
We ship worldwide. PM/Email me.
1967 S3 DHC
1969 S4 FHC (at BB's home)
https://theelanman.com for details on Brian Bucklands book.
https://shop.lotus-books.com for more Lotus related books.
We ship worldwide. PM/Email me.
- gherlt
- Fourth Gear
- Posts: 636
- Joined: 20 Jul 2006
Andy is not able to give original colours on the earlier Elans.
However, if Cirrus White was the original colour my personal decision would be to stay with it. Increasingly originality is valued more for classics.
Having said that it is your car and, whilst in your ownership, you can do what you wish with it.
Tim
However, if Cirrus White was the original colour my personal decision would be to stay with it. Increasingly originality is valued more for classics.
Having said that it is your car and, whilst in your ownership, you can do what you wish with it.
Tim
Visit www.lotuselansprint.com
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trw99 - Coveted Fifth Gear
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- Joined: 31 Dec 2003
my guess is the paint code is NOT etched or noted on the Elan chassis plate. I have yet to find any color codes on an Elan chassis plate. They seem to be noted on Europas, but not Elans. I'm usually a big supporter of being original and IF, and only if, the color code is noted, than stick to that color for originality sake and resale value. However is not noted, then paint any color (of the original offerings) you wish!
TED
"Driving a Lotus is a triumph of bravery over intelligence." Stirling Moss
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"Driving a Lotus is a triumph of bravery over intelligence." Stirling Moss
"TaylorMadeClassicCars" on WWW and Facebook
- tedtaylor
- Fourth Gear
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- Joined: 09 Dec 2012
Kevin i have to say there was an S3 fhc at the NEC in Cirrus white and it looked lovely
- elansprint
- Fourth Gear
- Posts: 525
- Joined: 12 Sep 2003
Kevin, does it really need to be painted?
You mention that the thing that appealed to you about the car was the originality and the provenance. If the paintwork just has a few faults it can be enhanced to look even better whilst retaining it's originality. If it's re-painted / restored, then that's all gone.
I've made the mistake of restoring a few cars to perfection over the years, and then not using them or not wanting to park them in public places for fear of ruining the perfection!
I've just spent the last couple of weeks getting my S3 running properly again after a few years being laid up. I'm now cleaning the paintwork and admiring the chip and cracks that the car has accumulated in my 42 year ownership, and whilst I have planned to get it repainted many times over that period, I'm now happy that the car actually has a bit more character the way it is.
I'll get the wheels and and the bumpers repainted, and maybe touch-up a few of the larger chips, but I won't mind parking it in the pub car park when it does go back on the road!!
Mark Kempson
You mention that the thing that appealed to you about the car was the originality and the provenance. If the paintwork just has a few faults it can be enhanced to look even better whilst retaining it's originality. If it's re-painted / restored, then that's all gone.
I've made the mistake of restoring a few cars to perfection over the years, and then not using them or not wanting to park them in public places for fear of ruining the perfection!
I've just spent the last couple of weeks getting my S3 running properly again after a few years being laid up. I'm now cleaning the paintwork and admiring the chip and cracks that the car has accumulated in my 42 year ownership, and whilst I have planned to get it repainted many times over that period, I'm now happy that the car actually has a bit more character the way it is.
I'll get the wheels and and the bumpers repainted, and maybe touch-up a few of the larger chips, but I won't mind parking it in the pub car park when it does go back on the road!!
Mark Kempson
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Elanintheforest - Coveted Fifth Gear
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- Joined: 04 Oct 2005
Kevin,
I would offer one more observation/experience which may assist you in deciding to stay with or change your color. My Dad's Elan S4FHC was lotus yellow which I loved in the 70s but I noted over the years that Cirrus White looked fantastic , especially on a FHC, such a vintage period color that really suited the car's lines. Also, with a bit of patina it looked better than tired red, faded yellow and other colors over time. Admittedly, I love the look of my current French Blue S4 DHC, but Cirrus White is a close 2nd for me. Just saying that the color holds up well over time and given the expense of changing, it might be better to use your funds elsewhere. In any event, enjoy your car-they are such a treat.
Cheers, Mark
I would offer one more observation/experience which may assist you in deciding to stay with or change your color. My Dad's Elan S4FHC was lotus yellow which I loved in the 70s but I noted over the years that Cirrus White looked fantastic , especially on a FHC, such a vintage period color that really suited the car's lines. Also, with a bit of patina it looked better than tired red, faded yellow and other colors over time. Admittedly, I love the look of my current French Blue S4 DHC, but Cirrus White is a close 2nd for me. Just saying that the color holds up well over time and given the expense of changing, it might be better to use your funds elsewhere. In any event, enjoy your car-they are such a treat.
Cheers, Mark
- mwhitaker
- Second Gear
- Posts: 95
- Joined: 03 Sep 2017
IMNSHO I think that other colours show off the lines of the body better than Cirrus White. Many Elans left the factory in gelcoat and were painted to order by the dealer, or re-painted before delivery in order to sell them to the first owner, so original paint colours are not so important on an Elan as, for example, on a GTO. I agree with Mark, I have restored cars, only to be afraid to park them, and I prefer a bit of patina, and more usability, if it the existing finish is serviceable and your plan is to use it then keeping it as is may be well worth considering.
1963 Unicorn
1964 S1
1965 S2
1967 S3 SE DHC
Frankentwincam 26R
Seven S2 A
Seven S2 F
1964 S1
1965 S2
1967 S3 SE DHC
Frankentwincam 26R
Seven S2 A
Seven S2 F
- knockoffnut
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