| Year
(of specifications) |
1962 -
1975 |
| Engine |
1588 cc,
4 cylinder |
| Transmission |
4 speed
manual RWD |
| Max
speed |
120 mph
(later models) |
| 0-60
mph |
- |
| Horsepower |
126 hp
(later models) |
| weight |
687 kgs
/ 1515 lbs |
The Lotus Elan roadster was first introduced in 1962 as a replacement
for the Lotus Elite. In 1963 an optional hardtop was offered,
and a coupe version of the Elan was offered in 1965.
The Elan was the first Lotus road car to use a steel backbone
chassis with a fibreglass body. weighing in at just
687 kgs (1,515 lbs), the Elan clearly embodied the lightweight
Lotus design philosophy.
Initial versions of the Lotus Elan were also available as a
kit to be assembled by the customer. The Elan was technologically
advanced for its time with a twin-cam 1,558 cc, four cylinder
engine, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 4-wheel independent suspension.
Engines in the early models developed around 105 horsepower,
but later Elans produced 126 horsepower. The model was eventually
dropped in 1975.
In 1989, after a 14 year absence, the Elan name was revived
and used on the Lotus Elan SE.
Similar and related vehicles:
Lotus Evora S
Lotus Elan SE
Lotus Europa S
Lotus Esprit Turbo SE
Lotus Elise 111R
Lotus Elise S
Lotus Exige
Lotus Exige S
Lotus Exige Cup 240
Lotus Sport Exige GT3
Lotus Track Car Concept
Lotus 2-Eleven Track Car
Lotus M250
Lotus 340R
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