CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Lotus Elan S2

Lotus Elan S2 — *2-door coupé *2-door roadster, 1,498 cc later 1,558 cc ''Lotus TwinCam'' I4 (petrol). Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine1,498 cc later 1,558 cc ''Lotus TwinCam'' I4 (petrol)

Transmission4-speed manual (all synchromesh)

About the Lotus Elan S2

Lotus Elan S2 is a *2-door coupé *2-door roadster in the convertible class. The available vehicle data lists 1,498 cc later 1,558 cc ''Lotus TwinCam'' I4 (petrol) as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed manual (all synchromesh) and a Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Lotus Elan S2 guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 1,498 cc later 1,558 cc ''Lotus TwinCam'' I4 (petrol) and 4-speed manual (all synchromesh) transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Lotus Elan S2 specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Lotus
Model	Elan S2
Model years	Not specified
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door roadster
Vehicle class	convertible
Manufacturer	Lotus
Production	1962–1973
Market / country	NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Lotus Elan S2 includes 1,498 cc later 1,558 cc ''Lotus TwinCam'' I4 (petrol).. Published power figures include 126 bhp.. Transmission information includes 4-speed manual (all synchromesh).. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive.

Engine	1,498 cc later 1,558 cc ''Lotus TwinCam'' I4 (petrol)
Fuel type	22.2 mpgimp
Transmission	4-speed manual (all synchromesh)
Drivetrain / layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Power	126 bhp
Top speed	112.5 mph; 121 mph
0–100 km/h / acceleration	24.1 sec; 20.3 sec

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2134 mm (84.0 in)
Length	3683 mm (145 in)
Width	1422 mm (56.0 in)
Height	1156 mm (45.5 in)
Kerb / curb weight	Approximately 1500 lb (680 kg)

Lotus Elan S2 other specifications

Sp	uk
Name	Lotus Elan 1500, 1600, S2, S3, S4, Sprint
Image	1970 Lotus Elan S4.jpg
Caption	Lotus Elan S4

Lotus Elan S2 generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Lotus Elan 1500, 1600, S2, S3, S4, Sprint	1962–1973	1,498 cc later 1,558 cc ''Lotus TwinCam'' I4 (petrol)	4-speed manual (all synchromesh)	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

Lotus Elan S2 features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓successor = Type 79 Lotus Esprit

✓Lotus Elan S3 SE), a naming convention later carried onward in the legendary mid-engined Esprit model line

✓In the UK the Elan was offered as a fully assembled vehicle and, for tax avoidance purposes, as a lower cost kit for final assembly by the customer

✓The front and rear suspensions attach to the ends of their respective arms: turrets at the end of the arms hold the suspension springs and dampers

✓3.55 differentials became more common in later cars (especially the more powerful Sprints) to provide more relaxed cruising on newly built highways

✓This could be readily detected by the driver

✓especially at takeoff and during gear changes, and was slightly disconcerting when driving an Elan for the first time

✓The layout was a classic double wishbone arrangement with coilover springs and shock absorbers

✓The bottom pair also held the base of the shock absorber and coil spring assembly

✓the top was connected to its chassis suspension tower

✓The shock absorber and coil spring strut was integrated into the upright and bolted via a rubber "Lotocone" coupling to its chassis suspension tower

✓Additional features such as electric windows, more luxurious carpeting, and larger wheels and tyres all contributing to the gain

✓''Motor Sport'': The tremendously responsive steering and handling requires similar qualities from the driver and the speeds achieved round corners and on the straight are deceptively fast

✓Despite the fact that the Lotus Elan has been (and continues to be) used extensively for racing it was Lotus' first car that was not designed with racing in mind

✓electric windows, larger tyres, power washers and windows, hazard and reversing lamps) and updated cosmetics (e.g

✓Ongoing changes were frequently necessary for a variety of reasons: component availability from suppliers, price changes, the need to meet regulatory requirements (especially for Federal vehicles), model year enhancements and the phase-in and phase-out of stock during the transition to the next Series

✓* Electric windows with chrome glass frame

✓The tax savings were considerable, the prices above being reduced to £1,095 and £2,044 respectively

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Lotus Elan S2

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear

Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	34 PSI	32 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	36 PSI	35 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Lotus Elan S2

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Lotus Elan S2 have?

The available source data lists the Lotus Elan S2 engine as 1,498 cc later 1,558 cc ''Lotus TwinCam'' I4 (petrol). Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Lotus Elan S2?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Lotus Elan S2?

There is no single best engine oil for every Lotus Elan S2 configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Lotus Elan S2?

The Lotus Elan S2 is classified as a *2-door coupé *2-door roadster.

What fuel does the Lotus Elan S2 use?

The available source data lists the Lotus Elan S2 fuel type as 22.2 mpgimp.

How much horsepower does the Lotus Elan S2 have?

The published figure for the Lotus Elan S2 is 126 bhp. Output can vary by engine and specification.

What are the dimensions of the Lotus Elan S2?

The available source data lists length 3683 mm (145 in), width 1422 mm (56.0 in), height 1156 mm (45.5 in), and wheelbase 2134 mm (84.0 in).

What transmission does the Lotus Elan S2 have?

The available source data lists 4-speed manual (all synchromesh) transmission options for the Lotus Elan S2.

Is the Lotus Elan S2 FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Lotus Elan S2 is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive.

Who makes the Lotus Elan S2?

The manufacturer listed for the Lotus Elan S2 is Lotus.

When was the Lotus Elan S2 produced?

The available source data describes production as 1962–1973.

How fast does the Lotus Elan S2 accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h?

The available source data lists 24.1 sec; 20.3 sec for the acceleration figure.

How much does the Lotus Elan S2 weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of Approximately 1500 lb (680 kg). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

What is the top speed of the Lotus Elan S2?

The available source data lists a top speed of 112.5 mph; 121 mph.

Where was the Lotus Elan S2 built?

The available source record lists assembly information as *United Kingdom: Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England *United Kingdom: Hethel, Norfolk, England (from 1966).

What class of car is the Lotus Elan S2?

The Lotus Elan S2 is listed in the convertible class.

Which markets or countries sold the Lotus Elan S2?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Lotus Elan S2 with NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Lotus Elan S2?

The available vehicle data lists Type 79 Lotus Esprit as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Lotus Elan S2?

The available vehicle data lists Type 79 Lotus Esprit as the successor where applicable.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Lotus Elan S2?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Lotus Elan S2 images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.