1966 Lotus Elan S3 Fixed Head Coupe

This fully-restored 1966 Lotus Elan Type 36 Series 3 Fixed Head Coupe is a former BaT Exclusive from 2010, and was sold new by Lotus Caribbean in the Bahamas. It is powered by a numbers-matching 1558cc twin cam inline-four paired to a semi-close ratio fully-synchronized 4-speed manual gearbox and a 3. 70 rear differential. A full body-off restoration was completed in 2003 and is well-documented with photographs, work logs, and receipts. The engine was rebuilt about 500 miles ago, and at that time the gearbox was serviced and the car received a new clutch. About $50,000 has been spent on parts and labor since the car was imported into the USA in 1994. This Type 36 FHC is sold with complete restoration records, service and parts manuals, Lotus books, tools, spares, a Certificate of Provenance from Lotus and a clean Hawaii title. According to build records, the body was originally Cirrus White and was painted green during the body-off restoration with a yellow stripe decal. The paint is PPG Concept DCC Acrylic Urethane, and some webbing shows on roof and deck surfaces. Extra bumper and body-color paints are included for touch-up. 13â?³ knock-on wheels were factory equipment and wear 10 year-old 155HR13 Michelin XAS FF tires with good tread depth remaining. An unused spare Michelin is included and a mismatching tire is mounted on the spare knock-on wheel. The pop-up headlights function as designed. Vents for the Airflow body can be seen aft of the cabin windows. Suspension and driveline components including wheel bearings were replaced, and Spax adjustable shocks were installed. The refinished interior retains factory Smiths gauges and the rarer slotted-spoke Springall steering wheel. Around 7,500 miles have been covered since the 2003 restoration was completed. Interior restoration work includes a Paul Matty dashboard, new Tri-Plex glass, and appropriately patterned upholstery and headliner fabric from International Auto Upholstery. The vinyl seat covers have a textured center insert, and little wear can be seen on the cushions or bolsters. A voltmeter and water temperature gauge were added and can be seen in the middle of the dash, and a black mounting plate replaces the original ashtray, which is included and in good condition. All lights, gauges, and window motors are described to work as intended. The crankshaft was machined at. 020 and polished, and new main and connecting rod bearings were installed, with new balanced connecting rods. The engine block was re-sleeved using LA sleeves, and fitted with JE forged pistons to the original bore size. Both cylinder head and engine block were resurfaced, and the cylinder head was machined with a three angle racing valve job. Dual electric radiator fans and a re-cored radiator were previously installed for hot climate operation. While the engine was out, a new clutch was installed, with the pressure plate, disc, and release bearing replaced. A Pertronix electronic ignition was fitted and a new water pump housing  allows for future replacement of the water pump without pulling the engine. Previous upgrades include new brake and clutch master cylinders, an alternator electrical system, high-torque starter, and a gas tank with dual electric fuel pumps. The fully-synchronized 4-speed semi-close-ratio gearbox was recently serviced. A pre-sale inspection showed compression of 100 psi across all cylinders. A tool kit and original jack are included, along with a Spax spanner. A collection of spares includes a number of original parts including a refurbished Smithâ??s heater. The backbone chassis and fiberglass floorpans can be seen above, and the underside condition is further documented in the gallery. The data tag can be seen above showing chassis number of 36/6278. A Certificate of Provenance from Lotus has been sourced, with an accompanying letter from Lotus Archivist Andy Graham, and verifies the factory equipment and Caribbean delivery. The above video shows a walk-around and opening of the doors and trunk. A brief driving video is provided above. He is further willing to help facilitate shipping internationally or to the Continental US.