The original elan was introduced in 1962 as a roadster although an optional hardtop was offered in 1963 and a coup version in 1965 the two seat lotus elan replaced the elegant but unreliable and expensive to produce lotus elite a line drawing design from classic sports car this is original art inspired by lotus it is unofficial and in no way associated with lotus lotus the lotus roundel device model names and all associated logos and distinctive designs are trademarks of group lot