1966 Lotus Elan SE

1966 Lotus Elan SE presenting in great mechanical and cosmetic condition. Weber head, with a comprehensive restoration by Gassmann Automotive out of Waynesboro, Virginia. The restoration included rebuilt mechanicals, a new Spyder chassis, and full cosmetic restoration. Randy Keller of Prestige Autowood finished the dashboard. Seats, carpets, upholstery and dashboard are excellent. Runs and drives well. Rebuilt engine starts immediately on the key. Oil pressure is great, and there are no overheating issues. Paint and body are excellent, with no cracks in the fiberglass. There are a few minor chips throughout. Headlights pop up, however they are currently not illuminating. Fuel gauge is currently not reading. Based on our troubleshooting, both remedies are most likely a ground issue. Running lights are operational. Previously owned by a prominent Attorney and car collector in Milboro, VA (John Fowler) who purchased the car from a broker while in London in the mid 70’s. John has provided a signed statement explaining, that during the transaction, the broker told him the Elan was titled in Colin Chapman’s sons name – Clive Chapman. When he received the title for the Elan, the name on the title was in fact Clive Chapman. Colin Chapman was well-known for being highly creative with car registration and legal “titling” to navigate regulations, taxes, and personal liability. Rather than registering personal or development cars in his own name, Chapman frequently utilized corporate loop-holes, trade registrations, and family names. Documented cases exist where classic Lotus factory models or personal-use vehicles were officially titled under his family members’ names. For example, specific factory-driven models like the Lotus Elan S4 have been tracked through historical registration documents as being initially titled directly to his son, Clive Chapman. Clean title in hand.