1965 Lotus Elan S2 Shapecraft Fastback Coupé
British automotive innovation reached new heights through specialized coachwork when the 1965 Lotus Elan S2 received the rare Shapecraft Fastback Coupé treatment, creating one of the most distinctive modifications of the period.
The base Lotus Elan S2 featured a lightweight fiberglass body mounted on a steel backbone chassis, creating an exceptionally agile sports car. Under the hood, a 1,558cc twin-cam four-cylinder engine produced approximately 105 horsepower, enabling brisk acceleration and engaging performance characteristics. The engine connected to a 4-speed manual transmission, which directed power to the rear wheels.
The Shapecraft conversion, developed by Barry Wood’s workshop in Surbiton, transformed the car’s aerodynamic properties through an innovative aluminum top section bonded to the original lower body.
This modification reportedly improved the vehicle’s top speed beyond 120 mph, making it particularly attractive to racing enthusiasts. The conversion maintained the Elan’s distinctive design elements while adding a streamlined fastback profile that set it apart from standard models.
Inside, the Shapecraft Elan offered a driver-focused cockpit with clear instrumentation and simple controls. The interior retained Lotus’s minimalist approach, incorporating basic amenities like vinyl-trimmed seats and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. Some owners opted to add period accessories such as aftermarket radios to increase comfort and functionality.
The car’s handling characteristics stemmed from its advanced suspension setup, which included independent suspension at all four corners. The front utilized wishbones with coil springs, while the rear employed Chapman struts, named after Lotus founder Colin Chapman. This configuration, combined with the car’s light weight of approximately 1,500 pounds, resulted in exceptional cornering abilities.
The Shapecraft conversion was exceptionally rare, with estimates suggesting fewer than 15 examples were ever produced. This limited production run made it one of the most uncommon variants of the Elan, which itself saw total production numbers around 12,000 units across all series.
Competition for the Elan Shapecraft came primarily from other British sports cars like the MGB GT and Triumph GT6, though neither offered the same combination of light weight and handling precision. The Porsche 911, while more expensive and powerful, targeted a similar market segment of drivers interested in high-performance sports cars.
The Shapecraft modification process demonstrated the potential for small-scale manufacturers to improve upon major manufacturers’ designs. Each conversion required significant handwork and technical expertise to complete properly, reflecting the craftsmanship common in British specialty car manufacturing during the 1960s.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
