Lotus - Lotus Elan
The Lotus Elan was first shown in 1962 and became available to purchase from 1963. This was the Lotus with the steel backbone chassis. Drive train (engine, gearbox and differential) was all from Ford, with various modifications and new castings, including the Chapman twin cam cylinder head put on the 1558cc Ford engine. Due to the longevity of the Lotus Elan, there are various models starting with the original Elan 1500, then Elan 1600 (subsequently referred to by people as the Series 1), followed by the second series Lotus ElanS2. The fixed head bodies were marketed as the ElanS3 and ElanS4 as well as the even better performing Elan Sprint. The race version of the Lotus Elan was called the Lotus 26R. Lotus Elan production continued to 1973.
Tyre size for Lotus Elan models:
- The original Lotus Elan 1500 , Lotus Elan 1600 and Lotus Elan S2 had tyre size 5.20x13 for which Blockley produces the perfect radial equivalent 145R13, a size which was also recommended in period. This Blockley 145R13 tyre is a good speed rated, steel belt construction radial tyre that will transform the handling, with a correct tread pattern as they had in period. See the full details of this tyre, and why we made it at the link below.
- Subsequent Lotus Elan S3 and S4 were listed with 155R13, but we have supplied Blockley 165R13 which works well.
- The Lotus Elan+2 was fitted originally with tyre size 165R13 , which we produce the steel belted H (130mph / 210kmk) speed rated 165HR13 Blockley tyre, with period correct tread pattern - see details of all these tyre sizes below:
