How long does an Elan last?
A long time if you look after it. Fortunately many owners don’t use their cars as everyday drivers. That’s not to say you shouldn’t, but it does mean that many cars have below average mileage’s and are somewhat mollycoddled through the winter months. Therefore many Elans are still in great condition despite their age. Equally many cars have done very high mileages without engine rebuilds. If well maintained the engine is probably good for around 200,000 miles before a major overhaul. Dampers also last well, despite what you may read. To sum up major mechanicals are very sound. Where you do have to be careful is electric’s, interior (leather does crack) and hood. Although the chassis is galvanised parts of the chassis perimeter frame are not. Although these parts are laminated into the body, little is known about their long-term durability. Deterioration of the bodyshell is virtually nil and gel cracks are relatively rare. Compared with earlier fibreglass shelled Lotus’ the Elan looks s
