Description

1966 Lotus Elan Type 36 S3 FHC – Numbers-Matching, Restored, Documented, Recent Engine Rebuild

This 1966 Lotus Elan Type 36 Series 3 Fixed Head Coupe is a numbers-matching example that was originally delivered by Lotus Caribbean in the Bahamas and later imported to the U.S. in 1994. It underwent a comprehensive body-off restoration from 1994 to 2003 and is powered by its original 1558cc twin-cam inline-four, paired with a semi-close-ratio 4-speed manual gearbox and a 3.70:1 rear differential. Showing just 37,639 miles, which are believed to be accurate, this Elan is accompanied by a Lotus Certificate of Provenance and extensive documentation dating back to 1975.

The car has received approximately $50,000 in restoration and maintenance work over the years, including a recent engine rebuild and gearbox refresh completed around 500 miles ago. With tasteful originality, low mileage, and strong mechanical credentials, this example presents as a well-sorted and properly restored classic from Lotus’s golden age of engineering.

Exterior

The Type 36 FHC body was removed from the chassis and restored over a multi-year process beginning in 1994 and concluding in 2003. The fiberglass shell retains its factory-correct proportions, elegant lines, and signature pop-up headlights. The restoration included attention to panel fitment, trim, and body structure, and the car retains its fixed-head coupe roofline unique to the Type 36 variant.

Badging, bumpers, and brightwork were restored or replaced as necessary, and the car wears period-correct wheels wrapped in appropriate tires. Paint finish is described as presentable and consistent with its light use post-restoration, showing only minor signs of age upon close inspection.

Interior

Inside, the cockpit features classic Lotus simplicity—lightweight design focused on the driving experience. Original-style seats are upholstered in period-correct materials, and the dashboard houses Smiths instrumentation behind a wood veneer fascia. All gauges are functional, including the center-mounted tachometer and speedometer.

Interior highlights include:

• Correct wood-rim steering wheel

• Fully functional heater and ventilation

• Updated carpeting and trim during restoration

• Retained manual window winders and original switchgear

Cabin materials remain clean, well-fitted, and true to the car’s original configuration, contributing to its classic minimalist aesthetic.

Powertrain

The original 1558cc Lotus twin-cam inline-four was rebuilt 500 miles ago, and it’s paired with a semi-close-ratio, fully-synchronized 4-speed manual transmission, which was also refreshed at that time. A new clutch was installed during the mechanical overhaul, and the car is said to start easily, rev freely, and pull strongly through the gears.

Mechanicals include:

• 1558cc twin-cam engine (numbers-matching)

• Semi-close-ratio gearbox

• 3.70:1 rear differential

• Recent engine rebuild

• Refreshed gearbox and new clutch

The drivetrain remains faithful to Colin Chapman’s lightweight philosophy, and combined with the Elan’s celebrated handling dynamics, this example delivers a responsive and engaging driving experience.

Chassis & Suspension

The Lotus Elan’s backbone chassis was cleaned, refinished, and inspected during the restoration. Suspension components were overhauled or replaced, and the car retains its celebrated double-wishbone setup front and rear, giving it the famously agile and communicative road feel. Braking is handled by disc brakes at all four corners.

The car benefits from:

• Fully restored backbone chassis

• Overhauled suspension during restoration

• Four-wheel disc brakes

• Lightweight curb weight under 1,600 lbs

Provenance & Documentation

This Elan includes a Certificate of Provenance from Lotus, confirming its factory specifications and delivery details. The seller also includes:

• Full restoration logs with photographs

• Service and parts manuals

• Lotus marque books

• Tools, spares, and accessories

• Documentation tracing back to 1975

Since its restoration, only 7,500 miles have been added, with approximately 2,000 miles driven by the current owner since 2011.

Summary

Well-documented and finely restored, this 1966 Lotus Elan Type 36 S3 FHC is a standout example of one of Britain’s most celebrated sports cars. With its matching-numbers twin-cam engine, Lotus provenance certificate, extensive restoration history, and recent mechanical overhaul, this Elan is turnkey and ready for road enjoyment or vintage events.

Whether you’re a collector seeking a pedigreed FHC or an enthusiast drawn to Chapman-era performance, this Elan represents an opportunity to experience the magic of one of the most iconic lightweight sports cars ever produced.

•  HOW DOES THE CAR AUCTION WORK?

  ---

   7-DAY RETURN POLICY

  We offer a 7-day return window for added peace of mind on eligible vehicle purchases. Contact us for terms and eligibility details.

  ---

   Our Focus

  We specialize in offering a wide selection of quality vehicles—both in-house stock and consignment listings—securely stored at our facilityes. Every vehicle undergoes inspection by our in-house quality assurance team.

  ---

   Services Included:

  • Vehicle inspection

  • Secure Escrow.com payment processing

  • Nationwide delivery up to 2,000 miles (included in price)

  • Consignment vehicle sales

  • Flexible auction and fixed-price purchase options

  ---

   Storage Location: Nashville, TN

  ---

   Inspection, Delivery & Handover Process:

  • Begins within 7–10 business days after full payment is received and cleared.

  • Price includes vehicle cost + 3% auction fee.

  • Shipping up to 2,000 miles is included in the final price.

  • Vehicles can also be collected directly from our warehouse.

  • All payments are securely processed through Escrow.com for buyer protection and transparency.

  ---

   Purchase Options

   Blind Auction

  • Submit private bids (invisible to other buyers).

  • You may revise your bid while the auction is live.

  • If accepted, you’ll be notified within 3 business days after auction close.

   Open Auction

  • Participate in real-time bidding with visible offers.

  • Bids cannot be canceled once submitted.

  • Highest accepted bidder will be notified within 3 business days.

   Fixed Price

  • Vehicles available at set prices for a hassle-free purchase.

  • Listings sorted by newest first.

  • Option to filter by vehicle source (in-house or consignment).

  ---

   Flexibility & Transparency

  Whether you prefer the excitement of bidding or the simplicity of fixed pricing, we offer a buying experience that’s secure, streamlined, and tailored to your needs.

  You can revise your bid while the auction period is open.

• If your bid is the highest and accepted by the seller, you will receive a notification of your successful submission within three business days after the auction closes.

2. Open Auction

• Participate in a traditional auction format where the highest bid is visible, allowing you to adjust your offers accordingly.
• Once a bid is submitted, it cannot be canceled.
• If your bid is the highest and accepted by the seller, you will be notified within three business days after the auction closes.

3. Fixed Price

• For a straightforward purchasing experience, vehicles are also listed at fixed prices.
• Listings are organized chronologically, with the newest entries appearing first, allowing clients to easily spot the most attractive offers.
• Vehicles can be sorted by their source for added convenience.

This range of options ensures flexibility and transparency, catering to both auction enthusiasts and those who prefer fixed pricing.