I've seen two Norfolk Mustard Yellow Elans this weekend (21/22 Aug).
The first was an SE with 68,000 miles
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/STUNNING-YELLOW-1 ... mobiles_UKK85 MMF
The owner is Gil and this Elan is a very nice car. It has almost full service history with the exception of the period 2008-2009 and a short mileage period from the previous owner. Outside the paintwork was in good condition and looked original. The front and rear bumpers both showed star cracks as did a small section of bodywork on the front offside just beneath the offside headlight. Inside this Elan was also very tidy. The seats were probably the best orginals I've seen. The stereo was a pioneer CD Radio (not original) with additional tweeter speakers in the door mirror trim. The hood seals were in good condition, though there were 2 chunks out of each side at the seals hinge points. The hood and rear window were in good condition. The seatbelt flaps were both present when the hood was lowered. The drivers window only went about half way down so will need some attention. On looking underneath the car (I was slightly limited beacuse I have a severe knee injury which is restricting my manoeverability), I could not really tell if the rear wishbones were corroded or whether it was the wax oil treatment that the car has recently received. The front end was equally difficult for me to see but I did notice the "do not jack" sticker still on the centre section of the chassis. Both front and rear pads and discs have recently been replaced. I couldn't drive the car due to a knee splint so the owner took me for a ride. On travelling at speed, I noticed the passenger door mirror mounting was loose. The mirror trim inside the car was also loose suggesting someone had made an abortive attempt to fix it! This Elan seemed to pull well but I did notice a whirring noise at higher speed. Not sure if it was a belt or something on the driveline. It seemed to be vehicle speed rather than engine speed related, it didn't sound like a wheel bearing. This and the rear wishbones where what I thought were the biggest issues and I'd appreciate feedback particularly on the whirring noise. Then I noticed the chip in the windscreen! I've read and heard horror stories about replacement winscreens for Elans so this got alarm bells ringing. I've read on the forum that Lakeside Engineering charge £1,100 for a replacement screen and seals so this is a real concern. I'd appreciate any comments on how much a windscreen + seals replacement actually costs.
The second was an S2 coincidently also with 68,000 miles
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1994-Lotus-Elan-S ... mobiles_UKM100 FRN
Les is selling this car on behalf of his son whose emigrated to Singapore. The M100 number plate is included. This is the first S2 I've seen so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it (I do prefer SE's after owning one myself 5 years ago). This car is quite tidy but not as good I was expecting for 1994. Underneath, it was easily the best I've seen, both front and rear wishbones were in very good condition. After staggering back to my feet from below (due to my knee splint) I gave the paintwork a once over. Both front and rear bumpers had star cracks that would require re-spray. There were a few minor stone chips but noting else of any significance. Seals on the hood were of average condition with some visible cracking and perishing. The hood and rear window were in good condition. The front disks were heavily worn and would require replacing. Inside was the unfamiliar S2 trim which looked well used. The drivers seat was scuffed. I was surprised to see a crack in the dashboard between the air vent and radio, I've never seen this before. This Elan has a very extensive service history, all the stamps are evident in the service book supported with receipts for many services. I wasn't offered a test drive so cannot comment on the driving dynamics. This Elan is on an Ebay auction so it will be interesting to see what it makes. I do now know the reserve price if any wants to PM me to find out more!