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Lotus Elan

S4 Convertible 1600 Twin Cam

Year

1971

Miles

92,022 miles

Fuel

Petrol

Transmission

Manual

Engine Size

1.6L

Rudgwick, West Sussex

Description

A superb example of the iconic Lotus Elan S4 Convertible, presented in fantastic condition throughout. This car benefits from a comprehensive restoration carried out in 2004/ 2005 and has covered just circa 7, 000 miles since. In 2018, the engine underwent a full rebuild to an impressive specification, including: Sprint-spec cylinder head, Steel crankshaft, Steel connecting rods plus further inter...

Vehicle History

Important information about the vehicle's history and condition

Insurance write-off record

History not checked

Ask the seller for the V5C and run an HPI check.

Technical Data

Detailed technical specifications

Contact Seller

+44 7788 865700

Seller: Driving Classics Ltd

Rudgwick

Verified Dealer
Call

What this car costs to run

Modelled over 7,100 miles a year (DfT National Travel Survey, England). Ranges, not quotes — a figure marked exact is set by law for this car; everything else is an estimate.

Vehicle tax (VED)exactHistoric vehicle class (40+ years) — VED exempt (owner must apply)
£0
FuelAbout 39 mpg — the middle real-world figure for the 27 similar-sized petrol engines in Autoza's economy data, not this car's own figure — at 174.1p a litre
£1,200–£1,650
Insurance (UK average)The UK average premium actually paid for comprehensive cover, £566 in Q2 2026 (ABI) — an average across every driver, postcode and car, not a quote for this one. Yours turns on your age, postcode and record and on the car’s insurance group. A 17–20-year-old new driver typically pays more than this average: see our guide to the cheapest cars to insure as a new driver, or the ABI figures
£566
ServicingAutoza's rough estimate for this make, not survey data. Routine servicing only — excludes repairs and tyres
£200–£450
MOT testFirst registered more than 40 years ago, so it does not need an MOT unless it has been substantially changed in the last 30 years (GOV.UK). Owners can still choose to test it
Not required
Estimated total a yearThe rows above added up, low ends and high ends
£1,950–£2,700

Work out the vehicle tax with our car tax calculator (it opens with this car's year, fuel and engine size filled in), or put in your own mileage and prices with the running cost calculator.

Questions about this Lotus Elan
Where can I view this 1971 Lotus Elan?
This Lotus Elan is located in Rudgwick, UK. Contact Driving Classics Ltd directly through Autoza.co.uk to arrange a viewing appointment.
What is the asking price for this Lotus Elan?
The asking price is £36,000. You can contact the seller directly on Autoza.co.uk to enquire or negotiate.
What is the mileage on this 1971 Lotus Elan?
This Lotus Elan has 92,022 miles on the odometer.
What fuel type is this Lotus Elan?
This Lotus Elan runs on petrol.
Is this Lotus Elan automatic or manual?
This Lotus Elan has a manual gearbox.
Is this Lotus Elan MOT tested?
Ask the seller for this Lotus Elan's MOT certificate, service records and registration number. With the registration you can check its full MOT history free on GOV.UK.
Has this Lotus Elan been an insurance write-off?
Autoza does not check write-off records. Ask the seller, read the description in full, and run an HPI check on the registration before you buy.
Can I get finance for this Lotus Elan?
Finance options may be available through the dealer. Use the free Autoza.co.uk car finance calculator to estimate monthly repayments for this Lotus Elan at £36,000.
How much does this Lotus Elan cost to run per year in the UK?
Modelled annual running cost is roughly £1,950–£2,700. That breaks down as: road tax (VED) £0 (Historic vehicle class (40+ years) — VED exempt (owner must apply)); insurance £566 (the UK average premium actually paid, ABI — not a quote for this car); fuel £1,200–£1,650; servicing £200–£450; no MOT due (First registered more than 40 years ago, so it does not need an MOT unless it has been substantially changed in the last 30 years (GOV.UK). Owners can still choose to test it). Assumes 7,100 miles per year (DfT National Travel Survey, table NTS0901a, all cars, England, 2025). These are estimates, not quotes — insurance in particular varies widely with the driver's age and postcode.
What is the annual road tax (VED) on this Lotus Elan?
Annual road tax (VED): £0 per year. Basis: Historic vehicle class (40+ years) — VED exempt (owner must apply). Tax it online at gov.uk before you drive it.
What real-world fuel economy does this Lotus Elan achieve in the UK?
About 39 mpg — the middle real-world figure for the 27 similar-sized petrol engines in Autoza's economy data, not this car's own figure — at 174.1p a litre. Over 7,100 miles a year that is roughly £1,200–£1,650 (UK average pump price, week commencing 26 October 2026 (DESNZ)).

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