1969 Lotus Elan SE

This 1969 Lotus Elan is, without question, one of the finest and fastest examples of the breed. It’s absurdly fun to drive, perfectly dialed in, and finished to an exceptional standard. The car feels alive — razor-sharp, balanced, and incredibly responsive — driving with the precision and eagerness of a rabid terrier.  Although we have no dyno records for the power output, with reference to many other Elans we have driven with known outputs, this Elan confidently feels equivalent or greater than other Elans with 150 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque.

Fewer than 2,000 Series 4 Elans were built in 1969. This example was originally delivered through British Motor Car Distributors in Los Angeles and has since been finished in a stunning black and gold John Player Special tribute livery. The paintwork is near show quality, exhibiting remarkable depth and clarity with only a few minor chips and scratches — easily one of the nicest finishes we’ve seen on any 1960s Lotus.

Comprehensive records document regular maintenance dating back to 2013, along with a complete engine overhaul in 2016 performed by Omnitech Engineering. The rebuild included a fully refurbished block, new crankshaft, rods, pistons, cams, valves, and ported cylinder head. Between 2022 and 2025, the car benefited from an additional $12,000 in maintenance completed by Bill Schlossnagel of El Cajon, California, ensuring that every system performs as intended.

Mechanically, the car is in outstanding condition, with strong brakes, compliant suspension, and new tires installed in 2024. Every detail of this build reflects precision and care — no shortcuts were taken, and no expense was spared.

A removable black soft top is included and fits neatly over the roll bar. The sale also includes extensive service receipts, photos, and documentation, along with a thoughtful collection of spares: floor mats, side mirror, spark plugs, air cleaner assembly, wiper blades, fuel pump, and an extra set of keys.

This Elan represents a truly exceptional example — meticulously maintained, beautifully finished, and exhilarating to drive — ready to impress both on the road and on display.