1969 Lotus Elan NO RESERVE!

Description for Lotus Elan 1969

NO RESERVE!
You don't see this everyday, a beautiful red 1969 Lotus Elan FHC! This car has been extremely well maintained and it shows. The car is garage kept and only used as a fair weather driver. I gets started weekly if nothing more than to take it around the block a couple times and get it up to operating temps. It is properly winterized and garage kept during all winter months.
Electrical- All turn signals, brake lights, headlights, hazards, fog lights, reverse lights, horn,and interior lights operate as they should. The power windows work, however the drivers side is slow. The generator has been replaced with an alternator and a new wiring harness has been installed. All gauges work although the speedometer needle bounces around +-10 mph or so of actual speed. The cable could be replaced if desired, but it never bothered me so I just left it. Very telling of how this carhas been kept up that a fiberglass British car has theelectrical system in such good order.
Interior- The car shows very well inside. There is a very small tear in the drivers seat that has been there ever since I purchased it and has not changed in size, otherwise it is in very nice condition as is the passengers seat. The steering wheel leather is worn which gives it great character. There are a couple small cracks in the dash way up by the window- not visible while driving. Overall very nice for a car of this vintage.
Body- The body is straight with no cracks or issues. The paint is very good and shines nicely. There are a couple small areas showing some spiderwebbing typical of Elan's, but they are very minor and you have to be looking over the car closely to see them. Much better than most other Elan's that I have seen. The frame has been coated with a protectant paint and shows no signs of rust.
Engine/Transmission- The Lotus twin cam fires up right away every time with just a touch of choke needed when it is cold out. It settles down to a nice idle when warm. The engine does not smoke or make any weird noises. Engine temps are kept in check with an upgraded radiator, and an electric fan controlled by a switch on drivers side of the car. The car has also been upgraded to electronic ignition. I only use high ZDDP engine oil and premium ethanol free gas. The transmission shifts through all 4 gears smoothly and the clutch take up and engagement are equally smooth and positive.
Suspension/Brakes- The car tracks perfectly straight down the road while cruising. The brakes stop the car as they should with zero pull to either side. The tires are a couple years old and have very few miles on them. The car retains the original style rotoflex joints. The suspension is nice and tight which brings us to the reason you buy this car- the handling! If you have never driven a well sorted Elan, it is awesome. You would never guess a car that rides this well could corner with such authority. There is nothing like a 1,600 lbs sports car!
I have truly enjoyed owning this car, but it is time to move on and try something new. Whoever buys this car will undoubtedly have as much fun as I did. It just puts a smile on your face every time you take it out. There are just no other cars out there like it. It may not be as well built as it's German counterparts, but it has a character all it's own- and costs much less too. I am sure these will continue to increase in value over the years, but I have limited garage space so in order to try something new this has to go.
A couple links to some short Youtube videos I took the other day just to show it going down the road.
https://youtu.be/WnOEVeMno_c
https://youtu.be/ZEFfkN6txLg
The car is sold as is with no warranties expressed or implied. I have tried to describe the car as accurately as possible. I will answer any questions, and encourage anyone who is interested to come see the car first if they wish before bidding. I am located near Minneapolis, MN. Ihave the car for sale locally and reserve the right to end the auction early if it sells. I will help out with shipping as best I can. Thanks, and happy bidding!