1968 Lotus Elan S4 Coupé
A British Racing Green Lotus Elan S4 Fixed Head Coupé (registration PNV 80F), presented by Lotus Cars to Keith Duckworth and Cosworth Engineering as a gift commemorating the Cosworth DFV engine's debut victory at the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix. Believed to be a Series 4 prototype rather than the Series 3 Duckworth expected, it was also occasionally driven by Cosworth co-founder Mike Costin. After passing through a second owner, the car received a comprehensive body-off restoration by Ken and Neil Myers beginning in 2016, retaining original chassis, body, and engine.
Ownership
- 2023-02-24Auction saleSold £37,000 (≈ $46K)
- 1967 → 1990Factory deliveryKeith Duckworth / Cosworth Engineeringfull documentation
Presented by Lotus Cars to mark the first DFV-powered Grand Prix victory at Zandvoort. Duckworth later recalled being surprised to receive what he described as a Series 4 prototype rather than a Series 3. Co-founder Mike Costin was also insured on the car and used it occasionally. Duckworth purchased the car from Cosworth upon his departure in 1990.
- 1990 → 1998Private saleKeith Duckworthfull documentation
Duckworth acquired the car personally from Cosworth when he left the company, retaining it until 1998. At the time of sale the indicated odometer reading was 15,030 miles. A letter from Duckworth to the subsequent owner is held in the history file.
- 1998 →Private saleSecond owner (identity not stated)partial documentation
Recipient of a letter from Duckworth confirming the car's background; described in the catalogue as the Elan's second owner. Associated with the group referred to as the Piddington Elans, and commissioned the 2016 restoration.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2016RestorationKen and Neil Myers
Full body-off restoration carried out with an emphasis on preserving originality. The car was refinished in its original British Racing Green with silver bumpers and silver centre-lock wheels. The interior was retained to standard S4 specification, including the original push-button radio and monogrammed steering wheel. Original chassis, bodywork, and engine were all retained.
Described as a no-expense-spared rebuild carried out to prize-winning standards. After completion the car was checked over, fluids set, and placed in a heated storage facility; it has not been driven since.
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