1966 Lotus Elan

Additional Info:

This 1966 Lotus Elan SE presents in great mechanical and cosmetic condition. It benefits from a comprehensive restoration by Gassman Automotive of Waynesboro, Virginia, which included rebuilt mechanicals, a new Spyder chassis, and a full cosmetic restoration. The galvanized Spyder frame is the preferred upgrade for these cars, since it permanently addresses the rust-prone original backbone chassis. The car is equipped with the desirable Weber head. VIN: 265301

The rebuilt engine starts immediately on the key, and the car runs and drives well. Oil pressure is great, and there are no overheating issues.

The paint and body are excellent, with no cracks in the fiberglass and only a few minor chips throughout. The dashboard was finished by Randy Keller of Prestige Autowood, and the seats, carpets, upholstery, and dashboard are all in excellent condition.

The headlights pop up but are not currently illuminating, and the fuel gauge is not currently reading. The running lights are operational. Based on our troubleshooting, both issues are most likely a ground problem.

The Elan was previously owned by John Fowler, a prominent attorney and car collector in Millboro, Virginia, who purchased it from a broker while in London in the mid-1970s. John has provided a signed statement explaining that during the transaction, the broker told him the Elan was titled in the name of Colin Chapman’s son, Clive Chapman. When John received the title, the name on it was in fact Clive Chapman.

Colin Chapman was well known for being highly creative with car registration and titling to navigate regulations, taxes, and personal liability. Rather than registering personal or development cars in his own name, he frequently used corporate loopholes, trade registrations, and family names. Documented cases exist where Lotus factory models and personal-use vehicles were officially titled in family members’ names. For example, specific factory-driven cars such as a Lotus Elan S4 have been traced through historical registration documents as initially titled directly to Clive Chapman.

Clean title in hand.