Lotus' close links with the Ford Motor Company provided the engine for their new car, the elan, launched in 1962.

The engine used was a stock 4-cylinder overhead valve unit, bored out to 1558cc, and fitted with twin overhead camshafts and twin carburettors.

The elan had a fibreglass body like the elite, but used a steel backbone chassis which carried the engine, 4-speed close ratio gearbox, independent suspension and rear axle.

Fixed head and convertible models were produced, both featured pop-up headlamps, a feature that would be present on many Lotus models produced after the elan.

Like the elite, the elan was offered in kit form as welll as ready built, but either way it was an enthusiasts sports car

The Series 2 elan was introduced in 1965, with the Series 3 launched in 1966 with more power and better brakes among the major changes.

In 1971, the elan became the S4 Sprint. A bigger valve engine was fitted to give even more power.
1973 was the last year of production for the original elan, the final 6 built were fitted with a 5-speed gearbox.