Early 911 vs 1960s Lotus Elan?

Any thoughts on this debate?

I'm considering both and want to know the story behind them as a member of the stable. It would be for road driving with some OT/AX use.

1960s Lotus Elan S4 or Sprint vs. 1967-73 911 E or S.

Also, consider each in "enthusiast tune"...lowered, modern rubber,modern ignition, rollbars, loud exhaust, proper alignment, etc.

The reason I'm putting this in the Mid Atl area is that I want to know if anyone has either of these cars locally. I'd love to take a look and speak with you.

Thanks,
LS

 

Sounds like you need to talk to Kevin McGovern regarding the Elan. A conversation I wouldn't mind listening in on myself.

 

My boss is considering selling his 1973 Porsche 930. Euro spec, Turbo widebody conversion, 87 911 suspension and brakes, 87 3.2 motor with EFI, Recaro seats, etc. Car was just built by Autothority/Pitstop, but now he is looking to go another direction. Probably looking for low-mid 20's. Car is in Fairfax, VA.
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Hey chief, does he have an Elan? I knew he had a few X180s and an Elise 190.

I need to take a look at one up close next...

Thanks Bacteria,
LS

 

Anytime Crashdeep! I believe he does have an elan or two lying around his place there. At the very least being the Lotus afficionado he is, should be able to offer you some keen insight.

 

I have much of that through Victorghini...he has 4 of them, two Europas and three Esprits...and two Diablos, two LPs, an LM, etc..

 

nevermind, i suck at this internet stuff

 

LS:
Check your regular Email.
Neon-

Here's a photo of my car's original owner (John "Hans" Hugenholtz) after winning France's 2006 Tour Lissac in his Lotus Elan. He has over 100 exotic cars in his personal collection and has driven for major marques in several 24 Hr. of Le Mans. He is currently a principal with Spyker Cars.
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Is the place where the pics where taken in Chantilly behind Moore Cadillac? The surroundings look familiar for the place where I take my Evo to get work done.

 

Yep, they were taken at Autothority. Exactly where you thought! Good eye!

 

Neon, thanks for the article clips!

Jung, do you have an official description of the white car above?

 

Lash..

I've owned (or own) all three that you've mentioned.. Elan, and 67 -73 911.

I say all three because the 67-68 911 is quite different from the 69-73.. short wheelbase vs. long wheelbase.. and 3 different engine displacements. 67 thru 69 is 2.0, 70-71 is 2.2ltr and 72 & 73 is 2.4ltr. Personally I prefer the long wheelbase cars in the 72/73 flavor.

The S is a great car but a little finicky as it's happiest when you're running up on the cams.. the E is kinda in between and a little more livable down low. Pretty reliable if you buy a clean one.. and you need to know someone that has a good handle on keeping the mechanical injection in tune.. the average joe usually screws them up! Luckily there are a few skilled techs in the area that know this system.

Also, depends on what you're looking for in the way of original or modded car.. there are some real sleepers around that have all the tweaks you’ve mentioned. I've got a couple scheduled to move back onto pavement sometime between the fall and next spring.. so if that's what you're looking for let me know. I usually have a line on or know where one is.

The Elan is a is a screaming little four banger, & tons of fun. It does however require a bit more maintenance than the Porsche.. bits and pieces are also a little harder to come by as well. The body's seem to get a bit of spider webbing from time to time.. but not nearly as bad as my Europa. They are great cars for auto-X usually piss off the big dollar boys with FTD as they handle like they're on rails even when not well sorted!

Paul

 

Hmmm, no such thing as a 73 930. It's either one or the other.. if it's a 930 then it's 78 thru 89 (80 thru 86 is ROW or Euro spec/grey market)
Sounds like it's a 73, and like you said widebody conversion.. steel or glass?
- 87 suspension and brakes: Carrera I assume.. non-turbo?
- 87 3.2 motor with EFI: Assume motronic/stock EFI.. or stand alone aftermarket EFI?
Just curious... tell Mhin I said hey!

Paul

 

Onboost, bring something to the donut so I can take a look!

I drove a 68 L and a 70 T recently. The chassis was great but I didn't like the T motor at all.

Thanks,
LS

 

I will get a complete description for you.

Perhaps my memory is wrong then... i'll get the official info. It was converted to 930 body specs. The widebody is metal and was welded into the car. The suspension and brakes are from a Carrera (non-turbo). The motor is a freshly rebuilt, completely stock 3.2 using the stock motronic/EFI. Car has been owned by the same owner for over 20 years (second owner).

 

Thanks, from your latest description it sounds like it is meant to be an M491 Carrera 3.2 Coupe replica...would love to see what the VIN or title says it started out as.

LS

 

The 911L was the US version of the S for 68.. it's down in power as well. The S was not imported because of growing emmisions concerns. Although it wouldn't make a difference to me because the short wheelbase cars 66-68 ride like buckets. 69 on is the way to go.
I can see where the T may have been a disappointment... I personally like the E as it's up on power over the T but not "peaky" to drive like the S.

I've had no time unfortunately to make it to the Donut.. I tried on the past Saturday but most everything was gone except a few rods & an old Porsche Speedster.

I sold a really clean 68 a few months ago and a buddy of mine just sold his 73S about 3 weeks ago.. I've got a pic of the two somwhere.

I'm not sure what you're looking for... stock, modded etc.. or what you're looking to spend, but there are some really nice cars out there.

Me, I prefer 72 & 73.. dosen't make a difference which as I run big-bore motors in them and they scream!

Let me know what you find.

P-

 

Keep in mind that the donut is on Sunday mornings at the Burger King parking lot on old Colesville Rd just past 198 in Burtonsville, md. The festivities start around 7:30, peak around 9:15 and end by 11.

regards

ken

 

Yep, well aware that it's an early party as I've been to the donut many times.. good seeing you though!

Oh, and here's a pic of two that were in the stable...


P-
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Very nice Paul!!

 

Indeed, the L did feel decent though for the weight of the car. I'll be driving a '70 S in the next few weeks for comparison which should be fun.

I know your buddy ER that sold the 73 S, he lives near another FChatter here.

What's the lowest realistically streetable weight for an early 911? Assuming a heater and carpet.

Thanks for the info.

LS

 

LS - Check out the Sept. '09 (on newstands now) issue of Road and Track. It has a large quantity of information on Porsches - Past, Present, and Future.
Neon-

 

Lassh.. yup.. I think I remember him speaking about you or the other Fchatter.

I've seen them down around to 2000lbs streetable with heat & carpet.. not much else + the addition of a few fiberglass panels.

I've got one that I'm slowly starting to build that should be pretty light. Although it's a heavier tub than an early car (78), it's a Euro so its a few lbs lighter to start, and all the panels were already glass. Plan to keep heat & minimal carpet also, have no real goal for weight reduction.. but is should get light.


Hey Robbie.. thanks!

P-

 

Lash,
Go with a 911.

 

Thought you might enjoy this blast from the past... actually a vintage event not that long ago but the photo is a little grainy.
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