1969 LOTUS ELAN +2 - SPYDER ZETEC

This Lotus Elan +2 is a fully rebuilt example of the classic sports coupe that benefits from a wide range of performance and reliability-enhancing modifications, and which is ready to deliver a charming and smile-inducing driving experience, whatever the occasion. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre Ford Zetec twin-cam engine, replacing the original 1.6-litre Ford-derived Lotus unit. The odometer indicates 62,797 miles from new.

The Zetec engine has been fitted with Jenvey throttle bodies with Pipercross air filters, twin regulated fuel lines, a fuel swirl pot, and is controlled by an Emerald ECU. The resulting 160bhp is sent to the rear wheels via a lightened flywheel and the car’s original four-speed manual gearbox.

Believed to be one of only 495 +2s remaining on the road in the UK, this Elan was first registered on 3 January 1969 and was acquired by its current owner around four years ago. Prior to that it had undergone a full, body-off restoration and reworking, which included the replacement of the full backbone chassis with a new Spyder item, the suspension system and the engine, as detailed above.

Despite the extensive modification under the skin, this Elan +2’s fibreglass bodywork is original, with no signs of cracking or accident damage. The Guards Red paintwork, which was applied later in the car’s life, is in fair overall condition, and while there are minor chips, cracks and crazing, with some bubbles on the boot lid, it is generally a smart 50-year-old classic.

The exterior brightwork is tidy and polished to a good finish, and the car’s glass and seals are all in goodt condition. The pop-up headlights have also been converted to be electrically operated, removing the often temperamental vacuum system. This delightful coupe rides on a set of original Lotus 13-inch pressed steel wheels, which are in great shape, and feature the correct chromed three-ear knock-off hub nuts.

Turning to the interior, the cabin is in very good order, and has an appealing mild patina throughout, with Oatmeal upholstery and a wood-veneered eight-dial dash, which is in smart condition and shows no signs of cracking and fading. The seats are trimmed in vinyl with fabric centres and show minimal signs of wear for a car of this vintage – however some of the stitching is coming away on the driver’s seat base and upper backrest.

The matching Oatmeal carpeting is still fitted to the floors and lower door cards, and although there are various marks visible, it is in serviceable condition, with no visible tears or fraying. Giving the cabin a modern creature comfort, the seller has fitted a discreet RetroSound stereo, with Bluetooth and MP3 functionality. A central locking system with an alarm and immobiliser has also been installed, and the car’s wiring loom has been completely replaced with modern fuses, relays and a track cut-off switch. As a result, all of the car’s electrical items work correctly and without fault.

Given the car’s extensive reworking, this Elan +2’s mechanical items are in great shape. The aforementioned 2.0-litre Ford Zetec engine has been mounted to a replacement backbone chassis, manufactured by independent Lotus specialist Spyder Cars of Peterborough. As well as providing a corrosion-free platform for the running gear and bodywork, the chassis is also stronger and more durable than the original, with 50% more torsional rigidity for sharper handling.

Further improving the car’s road manners and responsiveness, the front end has been fitted with TTR adjustable dampers with adjustable rose-jointed wishbones, while the rear features adjustable springs on Chapman struts, with adjustable lower wishbones and polybushed joints. Kelvedon CV joint shafts have also been fitted, as has a performance stainless steel exhaust fitted by Paul Matty Sports Cars.

Well cared-for since its rebuild in 2016, this Elan +2’s last scheduled maintenance was carried out by Winchester Auto Barn in December 2019 at 62,686 miles, when the propshaft seals, universal joints, spark plugs and engine oil were replaced.

Prior to this, the car received an oil service in March 2019 and had its differential rebuilt in October 2018. The cam belt was last replaced in February 2018 at 59,505 miles. During the seller’s ownership the gearbox has also been rebuilt, the starter motor, half shafts and master cylinder have been replaced, and the car has been treated to a new set of brake pads.

There are a couple of minor mechanical issues for the next owner to attend to. The differential is described as weeping a small amount of oil – with an access panel fitted in the boot to allow for easy monitoring and topping up – and the clutch slips slightly at high revs and when hot. The seller also notes that they would opt to fit a brake servo for easier operation, and that they would install stiffer rear dampers to further enhance the car’s handling.

The car is currently exempt from annual MOT testing on the basis of age, though last passed a test in October 2017 at 59,444 miles. Its tyres were recently replaced with new Uniroyal RainExpert 3 units in size 185/70 R13, and have covered only a couple of hundred miles since.

Accompanying the car is a 500-photo diary of its rebuild, full documentation of its service history after the restoration, and tools for the knock-off wheel spinners, including a custom alloy socket.

This Lotus Elan +2 is a thoroughly rebuilt and modernised classic coupe, presented in very smart condition, and with a raft of desirable enhancements to improve its performance. It still retains much of its original character, but provides the sort of usability and reliability not usually associated with the marque. While there are a few jobs to attend to in due course, this is an exciting sports car that is ready to relish on the open road.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing. There is a marker for a Volvo 240 with a similar chassis number on the portal – though this is entirely unrelated to the Lotus.