1969 LOTUS ELAN +2

KEY FACTS

• An outstanding example of the classic British sports car, fresh from restoration works totalling £31,000.
• Under the bonnet is the 1.6-litre Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine, upgraded with twin Weber carburettors, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.
• A cherished example, it has been in single family ownership for 24 years.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The Elan +2 was introduced in 1967, featuring a longer wheelbase and wider track, and two small rear seats, suitable for children. It also makes the +2 a much more suitable car for touring compared to the original Elan.
• This car has recently been cosmetically restored with a glass-out bare-body respray in the original colour scheme of Regency Red over a grey leather interior.
• The long-term owner who commissioned the restoration also decided to make a few modifications to the car, including an extra ‘power bulge’ to give the bonnet a symmetrical look, featuring a NACA duct to draw more cool air into the engine bay.
• Furthermore, the original Stromberg carburettors were swapped to a twin Weber setup with Pipercross air filter, delivering more power and a throatier induction noise, while the engine is fitted with cast ‘BRM’ cam covers from the ‘Special Equipment’ tuning range.
• The bonnet has been fitted with spring-loaded chrome latches, as seen on numerous 1960s racing racing cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO.
• It rides on the original style 13-inch steel wheels with three-eared knock-off spinners, fitted with matching Yokohama A539 tyres.
• In the cabin, an aftermarket Pioneer stereo head unit and CD player has been installed. The car also comes with a full-size spare wheel.
• Accompanying the car is complete documentation of its extensive restoration and mechanical overhaul, plus a raft of other MOT certificates dating back to 1986, various invoices, and some previous registration documents. There are also photographic records of both the engine rebuild and body restoration.

CONDITION

• No known prior bodywork damage.
• The condition of the dark red paintwork is superb, still looking fresh after its respray, with a deep and glossy appearance.
• Inside, the grey leather upholstery is in great shape, which has evidently been re-trimmed and shows very few signs of use. There are some marks and signs of use to the headliner and sun visors, but overall they present well.
• The correct wood dashboard panel is in place, as is the wood-rimmed steering wheel and wooden gear knob.
• There are no known mechanical or electrical faults.
• Exempt from mandatory testing on the basis of age, the most recent MOT test was on 7 July 2017 at 23,034 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only two advisories regarding worn front suspension bushes and little reserve travel in the parking brake; however these were rectified during the subsequent restoration works.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Between 2016 and 2019, this Elan +2 was subject of a major cosmetic and mechanical restoration at classic car specialist Pitt Lane Ltd, at a total cost of £31,000.
• The engine was fully rebuilt with new components, and the carburettors were upgraded to twin Weber items.
• Its clutch was replaced, the braking system was overhauled with new parts, and all suspension bushes were renewed.
• A full assessment of the electrical system was completed, with any faulty items replaced including the starter motor.
• The car received a full glass-out bare-body respray with exterior parts and trim replaced or refurbished as needed.

SUMMARY

This Lotus Elan +2 is a beautifully presented classic sports car, which benefits from an extensive restoration that was completed with a ‘no expense spared’ approach. It has been described as “arguably one of the best sorted and finest examples on the market; fully run-in and ready to be enjoyed over the summer”. With its engine now more tuneful and more powerful, it is ready to demonstrate why the lightweight Lotus driving experience remains so special.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.