1968 S3 Elan DHC "Super Safety"

Hi folks,

Looking for a little info on the subject model:

<ul type="square"> Approximate retail value of one in overall good condition with no work needed,

and a description of what is different about the "Super Safety" model, reportedly one of just 200 made. [/list]

Thanks.

IIRC, this would be a very late S3 with rocker switches on the dash replacing the toggles. The Series 4 cars were all like this. I'm not aware that there's any special value attached to the Super Safety model per se.

Value depends on whether it's a coupe or convertable - range from about $12K to $18K depending on condition for a good driver. Elans (like Europas) are hard to judge without really digging into them, since the non-rusting fiberglass body can deceive you.

I suggest you look at:

https://www.lotuselan.net/publish/buyerguide.shtml

for more info.

Hi John, Thanks for the lead. However, I'm still curious, what is the "Super Safety" model? I can't seem to find much of anything on it.

IIRC the failsafe headlamp arrangement (sprung to open whithout vacuum) was another "Super Safety" change.

OK, the headlights pop up without vacuum pressure -- that's one thing -- but certainly there must be other features that make up the "Super Safety" model, no?

By the way, what's "IIRC"?

Thanks.

[ QUOTE ]
By the way, what's "IIRC"?

Thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]

If I Recall Correctly....
IIRC.

This was topic recently discussed on another forum, here is part of the discussion.
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The Super Safety model, or SS, was sold in the US from 1967 to July 1968. It was an updated S3 Elan, introduced to meet new US safety and polution legislation, which came into effect from January 1968.

At this time all Elans sent to the US were Special Equipment models. The changes to begin with were additional padding to the dashboard surround. This was followed later by replacing the toggle switches with the rocker style (later seen across the range in S4 and +2 elans), the BMC flush-fit door handle, hazard light switch, brake fluid warning light and the repalcement of knock-off wheel nuts with the earless type. In addition, dual circuit braking was fitted and an air injection system, along with the wide ratio gearbox and the 3.55:1 diff.
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In addition to this some cars had the three ears of the knock on wheel nuts turned inward.
There was a SS Elan on ebay recently,try doing a search useing number 4587376459 if it doesn't work I can send you some pics if you supply your email address.
Brian

[ QUOTE ]
By the way, what's "IIRC"?

Thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]

DYJL all this ab. stuff?

Bruce

Thanks very much. So, I guess you could say that the "SS" version of the Lotus Elan is the rare <font color="red">Ralph Nader Commemorative Edition</font>, eh? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[ QUOTE ]
...I guess you could say that the "SS" version of the Lotus Elan is the rare <font color="red">Ralph Nader Commemorative Edition</font>...

[/ QUOTE ]

Afraid so. Very much like the late chrome bumper MGB's with the federal dashboard that ruined the interior appearance.

Well, tomorrow (Sunday, December 18) is THE day. Larry and I (we own a 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark I jointly) are driving the Healey to a point approximately mid-way between Portland OR (where we live) and Seattle WA (where the owner of the 1968 Lotus Elan DHC "Super Safety" lives), with a possible trade in mind. I feel optimistic that it will happen. We're both bringing our car's titles so that a deal can be consummated on the spot. We'll know by 11 a.m. I'll let you know later the same day.

The weather is supposed to be clear and cold. Layers are in order. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

It should be an interesting day regardless of your decision. I'll be interested to hear your impressions - the 2 cars are day & night different.

I learned to drive in a BN1 Healey. Many years later, I learned to drive again in an Elan Coupe.

Have a great drive & best of luck w/ the decision.

[ QUOTE ]
- the 2 cars are day & night different.

I learned to drive in a BN1 Healey. Many years later, I learned to drive again in an Elan Coupe.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ain't it th' truth. My first "real" car was an MGB, "Lotus hop" was a real eye opener... As was sneezing then changing lanes as result /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Well, we met. We drove each others' cars. We agreed to think about it. Long story, but that Elan was fun to drive, no doubt about it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif