1966 Lotus Elan Type 45 Convertible

1,577cc DOHC Lotus-Ford Inline 4-Cylinder engine
2 Weber 40DCOE-18 Carburetors
Est. 140bhp at 7,000rpm
4-Speed Semi-close Ratio Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Meticulously crafted BRM Tribute
*Highly specified mechanically
*A fitting nod to the great Mike Spence
*Eye-catching BRM livery

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Lotus Elan, introduced in 1962 as successor to the Elite Coupe was based upon a remarkable fabricated sheet steel backbone chassis supporting four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs around tubular shock absorbers.

Mike Spence, a Formula 1 driver for both Lotus and BRM and dealer in Maidenhead, partnered with BRM to create a rare and now highly-regarded uprated Elan. It is believed that fewer than 20 were built before Spence died in a testing crash at Indianapolis in 1968, ending the project.

A former Smiths Instruments engineer spent over $75,000 on parts and materials alone to create this, the ultimate Lotus Elan BRM. The process started with a complete, meticulous, nut-and-bolt restoration that include crack testing and reinforcement of known weak areas.
The engine was bored .020 over, fitted with J&E pistons, Q.E.D. steel crankshaft, steel main bearing caps, Carrillo rods, enlarged oil sump, Setrab oil cooler and high output oil pump. The cylinder head was ported and polished, Cosworth L1 camshaft with vernier timing sprockets, Cosworth valve springs and 1.625" intake valves – even bigger than those used by BRM. The negative ground electrical system uses a high rpm Denso alternator, gear reduction starter and Pertronix ignition system. Underneath there is a Quaife 3.75:1 limited slip, Tony Thompson adjustable suspension, Girling calipers and large front stabilizer bar. A Safety Devices roll bar with side impact bars, Willans harnesses and a halon fire extinguisher protect the occupants.

The exterior of the new lightweight Elan body was sealed and painted in three-stage BRM Green with the final coat applied by Jon Kosmoski, a founder of House of Color, including the "Safety Cone Orange" bumpers that were characteristic of BRM's racing livery. The interior is tan premium cowhide with Mercedes carpets. The top and tonneau cover are tan double duck canvas.

Included with the car are two sets of bumpers (one for road use and one for shows), four Lotus steel wheels with period-correct Michelin XAS tires, workshop manual. parts manuals from suppliers and all receipts. There is a comprehensive photo album of the build process and detailed engine specifications.