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Lotus Elan chassis
http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=20905		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  BostonWill [ April 16, 2021, 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  Lotus Elan chassis
Was looking at craigslist and I saw a 1971 Lotus Elan steel backbone chassis for sale in Chicago for $1000

Has anyone used one of these for a starting point on a build for a Locost 7?

Attachment:
elan_chassis.jpg


Thom
Author:  cs3tcr [ April 16, 2021, 9:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lotus Elan chassis
I don't know of anyone who has done a Seven based on an Elan chassis, but there is this car: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-lotus-eleven-tribute-build-with-elan-underpinnings-and-motor/

I think the problem with starting with a bare Elan chassis would be finding the rear struts, wishbones, diff casing, etc. The only "off the shelf" suspension bits on an Elan are the front uprights and steering rack, the rest were Lotus only parts.
Author:  TooBusy [ April 16, 2021, 10:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lotus Elan chassis
Not aware of anyone starting with an Elan. My question would be how complete is it for $1000? If it's a roller with steering, you've recouped your investment in time savings.
Author:  rx7locost [ April 16, 2021, 10:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lotus Elan chassis
I saw the Craigslist post in the Milwaukee Craigslist. No pics :crying:
Author:  KB58 [ April 16, 2021, 12:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lotus Elan chassis
If considering it, look into the rules, as some states say that if you use a factory frame, then that's how it's registered. Also, does it come with any paperwork?
Author:  Bent Wrench [ April 17, 2021, 1:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lotus Elan chassis
Compared to a Locost an Elan appears to have a longer center section and the front axle moved rearwards?
this will change weight distribution at the least.
Author:  Sam_68 [ April 23, 2021, 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lotus Elan chassis
There is a UK company called Spyder Engineering that specializes in the manufacture of direct replacement 'spaceframe' backbone Elan chassis.

They also used to build a 7-style kit car called the Spyder Silverstone, the chassis of which had several identifiable components from their Elan replacement chassis 'system' in its construction.

Suffice it to say that by the time they'd modified it to make it work with the Seven-style arrangement, it was no longer recognizable as an Elan backbone chassis.
Author:  Driven5 [ April 29, 2021, 7:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lotus Elan chassis
Sam_68 wrote:
Suffice it to say that by the time they'd modified it to make it work with the Seven-style arrangement, it was no longer recognizable as an Elan backbone chassis.
I should expect so. The proportions of where a person physically fits relative to the chassis, track, and wheelbase are all off for a 7, and is what allows the Elan to have an appreciably noticeably shorter wheelbase than any 7 as well.
Author:  KB58 [ April 29, 2021, 10:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lotus Elan chassis
To the OP, keep in mind that even if everything fits for making it into a "Seven", it's just the backbone. By the time the other 80% of the chassis is added, I'm not sure it's really saved much, both in weight and the amount of work involved.

This touches on something I've seen a number of times when someone's doing a complete car restoration. At some point, it's actually less work to just start from scratch, depending upon what the start and end goals are. Rust alone can negate whatever was "saved" in buying a complete chassis.
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