This particular 1966 Lotus Elan S3, Chassis # 36/5819, is a very early S3 finished in the proper shade of green with a contrasting Black interior. While this car’s early story has unfortunately been lost to time, we do know that it was purchased by a Mr. Brian Stark sometime around 2001 as a driver-condition example ripe for a restoration. He wanted to use as many original parts as possible in bringing this Lotus back to the condition it deserved to be in, and spent the next 15 years or so meticulously sourcing those parts and restoring it.
By 2015 the Lotus Elan was left in a well-restored state. The engine was completely rebuilt with new Weber carbs, mounts, pumps, and a Pertronix distributor complete with a coil and wires. The radiator, starter, generator, wiper motor, window motors, and airbox were restored, but a new thermostat, heater valve, hoses, belts, and intake were installed alongside them. The exhaust headers were also Jet-Hot coated for improved performance and protection.
The transmission was also rebuilt with new shifter bushings, a new clutch assembly, new mounts, U-joints, and spring doughnuts. Underneath, the frame was stripped, reinforced, and powder-coated, with new Lotocones for the rear uprights, new coilover shocks, springs, and perches, and new wheel bearings. Likewise, the steering rack and gas tank were restored, and the latter received a new fuel filler neck and sending unit. All brake components, including the master cylinder and all lines, were replaced, while the calipers were rebuilt. The electrical system was not ignored either, with a new wiring harness installed, complete with a new battery, fuse block, voltage regulator, fuses, and relays.
The body and interior received some love as well, with the fiberglass properly tended to and new paint applied. New bumpers, a new windshield, new chrome trim, moldings, & emblems, along with a new auto antenna were also installed. Inside, just about everything was replaced. The Elan got a new headliner and visors, a new leather dash pad, a new Africa Rosewood dash, new carpets, a new center console, new trim pieces and moldings, new window felt, new seat covers, a new rear deck, a new steering wheel, a new radio with speakers, a new trunk wood kit, and whatever gauges needed rebuilding were also tended to.
Despite all the work, the Lotus wasn’t completely finished before other projects took priority. Thus, in 2017 the car passed to its current owner, sight unseen. The current owner began finishing what Mr. Stark had started. They did as much of the work as they could on their own before bringing it to Ragtops & Roadsters in Perkasie, PA, for some further sorting and fine-tuning. The speedometer cable was adjusted, a new heater valve was installed, new rear suspension springs were fitted, a new Facet electric fuel pump was installed, the starter was rebuilt, and the spare wheel was made to match the others on the car before receiving a new tire and being reinstalled into the trunk. In July 2023, the Elan also received a new correct style muffler from R.D. Enterprises, Ltd. in Quakertown, PA.
Following the Elan’s much-awaited completion, it attended several concours events where it received approvals and accolades. One such mention was at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum’s “Best of Britain 2025 featuring Lotus” show for its immaculate condition and perfect representation of what Lotus stands for.
This is likely one of the finest examples of a 1966 Lotus Elan S3 available on the market. The no expense spared restoration has left it in a very high-quality state of both presentation and correctness, while still retaining all of the aesthetic and mechanical characteristics that the Elan is famous for. Included in the sale are all of the service records on file, restoration records, and a period brochure showcasing the Lotus Elan Coupe. As well as the tools, Service books, and spare.
