Few cars embody Colin Chapman’s famous ethos of ‘simplify and add lightness’ better than the original Lotus Elan. The combination of a featherweight bodyshell, Hethel-fettled suspension and power from a singing twin cam proved simply irresistible to anyone with a love of driving, and the Elan quickly found itself as one of the most sought after cars of the ‘swinging sixties.’  Series 1 to Series 4 Elans are now firmly wedged in the classic car bracket and prices are on the up, though that hasn’t prevented many owners from using them as Lotus intended – with gusto!

While there’s no doubting the genius inherent in Mr Chapman’s original design, the world of automotive technology has come a long way in the last fifty or so years, and nowhere does this ring truer than when discussing brakes. Naturally this is an area of expertise for Goodridge, the UK’s foremost supplier of braided brake lines. These are standard issue equipment on competition cars of all types and sizes, but that doesn’t mean that they’re only of use when tackling race circuits. The ability to stop quickly, smoothly and reliably is every bit as applicable to road cars as it is to full-fat racers, and this belief is what lies at the very heart of Goodridge’s comprehensive range of braided steel hoses, with the latest addition being the Lotus Elan.

Joining the firm’s already impressively well stocked Phantom line, Goodridge’s kit will offer performance-oriented Elan owners a wealth of benefits at a very reasonable price point. Chief among these is the hugely improved brake efficiency offered by modern braided hoses, unrivaled reliability and longevity, and a complete absence of that most irritating and potentially dangerous of traits, brake pedal sponginess. Owners even have a choice of ten distinct colours to pick from, meaning that there’s no danger of saddling their pride and joy with garish, clashing hues.

Goodridge’s position as the world’s leading manufacturer of performance fluid transfer systems means that they’re perfectly placed to push brake line development on and drive innovation, but this hasn’t come at the expense of quality or careful product design. The firm’s reputation for technical excellence and dependability has been cemented by superb attention to detail and customer care. A good example of this can be found in the within the Phantom line itself, namely the fact that no universal fittings are employed in the stainless steel braided brake line kits – all components are designed and manufactured to suit individual applications. It’s also worth noting that very line is comprehensively pressure tested before it leaves Goodridge’s state of the art factory so that customers can have absolute confidence in its functioning. Little wonder Goodridge brake lines are TUV, DOT, ADR and ISO approved.

Such a wealth of history and commitment to excellence should leave Lotus Elan owners in no doubt as to the quality of the new Phantom steel brake line kit, nor its ability to transform the driving experience of their respective car.

Price: £79.80 RRP inc VAT with more information from www.goodridge.com ENDS