Overall this Elan S3 is in a show worthy condition, with a high level of consistency and overall quality. Given the fiberglass body, we do see some cracking in a few places here or there, as photographed (and described in further detail below) which is typical for these cars. However, the car was very well tended during the restoration. It is straight down the sides with excellent panel fitment (for a Lotus) and the doors remain in the correct position, with the bottoms out, which is correct for the Elan S3. We have noted that the bonnet has received the addition of 2 releases for opening and securing the bonnet, replacing the interior pulls. This does allow for a much easier time opening the hood, but is technically incorrect and could be reversed. We must say that this Elan S3 has a strong presentation, though this example could see minor improvement, it is not necessary to enjoy it and show it as it is.

The rubber trim throughout the car is all new and in excellent condition. The glass appears to be the original with the exception of the windscreen. The front and rear glass have no blemishes, but the driver and passenger windows both show a vertical etching from years of rubbing something on the inside of the window frame. The talbot mirrors are excellent original units, and all badging and trim is correct and complete for the Elan S3.

The wheels are the correct type and have been refinished, though it is worth nothing that the 4 wheels on the car were painted and do show a few very minor blemishes (that you may or may not be able to pickup in the photos). The spare wheel was powder coated and is in near perfect condition. All of them are straight however, and the knock offs appear to be the originals, not perfect but very nice.

The notable flaws are isolated to paint blemishes as follows: Passenger side fender, center of the wheel arch shows some stress cracks. A star crack near the drivers side headlamp. A touched up scuff on the drives side rear bumper. A small crack in the paint toward the front of the driver's door near the edge. Small touch ups on the hood and surrounding hood jam as well as some minor cracks near the bonnet locks. Hairline cracks on the rear fender arches.

The interior on this Elan is superb, and clearly attention was given to the details with a focus on correctness. Entering the interior we can see that the door panels are in excellent condition, as are the seats, kick panels, center console, dash, headliner, carpeting and rear stowage area. All in excellent condition with little to no use since the restoration. The dash fascia has seen considerable restoration as have all of the knobs, pulls, switches, gauges etc… all of the various escutcheon’s, trim items and bright work components have been restored to a very high level. Underneath all of the carpeting and door panels is a dynamite like product allowing for improved insulation from heat and noise. A careful combination of function and correctness, with the exception of two speakers on the rear parcel shelf.

Testing the functionality of this Elan shows that nearly everything is in correct working order. The gauges all work as they should with no issues noted. The horn, turn signals, and exterior lighting are all in correct working order. The interior fan, and all related knobs, pulls and buttons work with the exception of the interior cabin lights. Even the radio turns on and works correctly.

The engine bay carries the theme of correctness with concours competitions in mind. The correct air-box has been restored and is in place. The wiring, coatings, clamps, finishes and overall presentation has been carefully thought out and restored in accordance with how this car would have left the factory originally. We can state that the engine number is indeed matching the original data plate, but not accessible to get a photo.

The trunk area benefits from restoration as well, with new wood where needed, a restored/new antenna assembly, a modern battery for convenience (but perhaps could see a period-correct-style unit for concours competition). The correct spare is present along with a correct style tool roll/kit. Also added under the carpet insert is more dynamite like material for continued insulation.

The underside of this Elan is where one starts to really understand the extent of the restoration. Observing the chassis we can see that it has been reinforced and fully restored and presented as new. A very expensive and time consuming task that is the core of this nut and bolt restored example. The rest of the components match and we can see that all of the suspension, braking and correct style exhaust are all new and fresh from restoration with only sorting miles on them and perhaps a minor cosmetic blemish here or there. The theme of correctness and thoroughness continues on this well restored Elan.

There are some leaks that we attribute to lack of use which will likely improve with consistent enjoyment and heat cycling. However, some leaks are commensurate with owning an old British Sports Car.

The engine starts easily, holds oil pressure within the correct range even when hot, and once warm holds temperature as well thanks to improved cooling with a larger radiator capacity and the addition of two electric fans. Otherwise it idles nicely, has ample power and revs freely through the rev range with no noises or issues to note.

The transmission is of the same caliper as the engine with no issues to report. Only nice clean clicky shifts and performance as designed.

The brakes work well with no pulling or warping feedback in the pedal. And the suspension is quiet, firm, but also comfortable with no issues to note.

The tires are newly installed and correct Pirelli Cinturato CA67 145/R13 on all 5 wheels.

It is hard to imagine that a Lotus is a real car, as this Elan S3 feels like a go cart for the street. While it remains Lotus' original attempt at a more mainstream and user-friendly sports car with its electric windows, heat, and a more “luxurious” interior, it is, in the end, very much a visceral driving machine that fits like a glove. This car is fresh from a total restoration that took many years to complete and benefits from recent final sorting with no real outstanding needs to be driven at will or shown. A wonderful addition to any serious collection or a unique one-car-garage for the enthusiast who knows the value and fun of what this car is all about.