The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.
The Lotus ELAN is a classic sports car that was first introduced by Lotus Cars in 1962. The ELAN is a lightweight two-seater that was designed to offer superior handling and performance in a small package. The car features a fiberglass body on a steel backbone chassis, and was powered by a variety of small but powerful engines that were built in-house by Lotus.
The Lotus ELAN's suspension is one of the key features that sets this vehicle apart from other sports cars of its era. The front suspension uses double wishbones with coil spring and damper units, and is assisted by an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension is an independent setup that uses Chapman struts with lower wishbones and a transverse semi-elliptic spring.
The powertrain of the ELAN has been a constantly changing component throughout its production history. The early models featured a 1558cc Ford Crossflow engine, which produced 105 horsepower. Later models were fitted with a variety of different engines, including a 1600cc Lotus-Ford twin cam engine that produced between 105 and 126 horsepower, depending on the model year.
The ELAN features four-wheel disc brakes that were a rarity in the early 1960s sports car market. The front brakes are ventilated and use Girling calipers, while the rear brakes use solid discs and also feature Girling calipers. The brake system is not assisted by a vacuum assist unit, but the brake pedal is light and provides good feel.
The Lotus ELAN's body design is sleek and aerodynamic, with a combined Cd of just 0.45. The car's hood and fenders are made from fiberglass, which is light, strong, and easy to repair. The car's doors, however, are made from steel to provide extra strength and security. The car's windshield is made from shatter-resistant glass, and can be removed for racing purposes.
The interior of the ELAN is simple but effective, with a sporty bucket seat for the driver and a smaller seat for the passenger. The dashboard is simple and elegant, with easy-to-read gauges and minimal switchgear. The steering wheel is a wood-rimmed unit that provides excellent grip and feedback.
The Lotus ELAN is a classic sports car that offers excellent handling, performance, and style. With its lightweight fiberglass body, advanced suspension, and powerful engines, the ELAN remains a favorite among sports car enthusiasts today. Whether you're looking for a fun weekend cruiser or a capable track machine, the Lotus ELAN is sure to satisfy.
Milestones
- 1962: The Lotus ELAN is first introduced as a roadster. - 1963: A hardtop version of the ELAN is released. - 1964: The ELAN 1500 is replaced by the ELAN S2, which features a 1.6-liter engine and improved suspension. - 1965: The ELAN S3 is introduced, with a number of updates and improvements over the S2. - 1967: The ELAN +2 is launched, featuring a longer wheelbase and 2+2 seating. - 1971: The ELAN Sprint is released, featuring a more powerful engine and improved performance. - 1973: Production of the ELAN ends, with over 12,000 units sold.Technical
- The Lotus ELAN is a two-seater sports car that was in production from 1962 to 1973. - It has a unibody construction with a fiberglass body over a steel backbone chassis. - The ELAN is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, DOHC engine with a twin-choke Weber carburetor. - The engine produces 105 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 100 lb-ft of torque at 5,100 RPM. - The ELAN has a four-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted shifter. - It has independent suspension all around with coil springs and wishbones in the front and Chapman struts in the rear. - The ELAN has disc brakes all around, with 9.5-inch discs in the front and 9-inch discs in the rear. - The car weighs around 1,500 pounds and has a top speed of around 115 miles per hour. - The ELAN has a classic, minimalist interior with bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a simple dashboard with basic gauges. - It was well-known for its exceptional handling and nimble, responsive driving dynamics.SUPERMIND TRIVIA