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 sizes for Lotus Elan models:
- The original Lotus Elan 1500, Lotus Elan 1600 and Lotus Elan S2 were fitted with tyre size 5.20x13 and Blockley produces the perfect radial equivalent 145R13, which is the radial ply tyre size recommended by Lotus 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 fitted with tyre size 155R13, a size Blockley produces an exceptional, period correct looking high speed example. Note that you cannot fit a larger tyre that a 155R13 to a Elan S3 or S4, because a larger size (such as the 165R13) will rub on the bodywork.
- The Lotus Elan+2 (Elan Plus 2) was fitted originally with the slightly larger tyre size 165R13, which we also produce, a period correct tread, steel belt construction, H speed rated (130mph / 210km) 165HR13 Blockley tyre
- see full details of all these Lotus Elan tyre sizes covering the Elan 1500 and 1600 (Series 1) and Series 2 with 145R13, Elan Series 3 and Series 4 with 155R13, and Elan Plus 2 with 165R13 at the links below:
