1973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/5

KEY FACTS

  • A stylish sports car with the most desirable specification, cosmetically and mechanically restored.
  • Under the bonnet is the 1.6-litre ‘big valve’ Lotus twin-cam inline-four, producing around 130hp, coupled with the sought-after five-speed manual transmission.
  • The car underwent a restoration in 2015, including a full respray, and had an engine rebuild in 2017.

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

  • It left the factory in 1973 in Cirrus White with a silver roof to create a two-tone colour scheme, but during the most recent restoration it was refinished in Cirrus White for the whole body.
  • The cabin features walnut burr trim, a refurbished Webasto sunroof, and a period-correct Philips Turn-o-lock radio.
  • It rides on a set of genuine replacement Minilite wheels, with the vendor noting that the original wheels are included but will require refurbishing.
  • Accompanying the vehicle will be its Lotus certificate of provenance, along with service history dating back to its 2015 restoration, and the original wheel spanner.

CONDITION

  • No known bodywork damage. As the shell is fibreglass, there is no body rust to worry about.
  • Its resprayed Cirrus White paintwork is in good condition, with just a few small blemishes. A couple of small surface cracks are present on the bonnet and nearside door, and a small stone chip can be seen on each of the headlights.
  • The vendor has reported a small tear in the seam on the driver’s seat, but the Oatmeal upholstery is otherwise in great shape, with a handsome patina and some age-related creases.
  • The carpets were replaced in 2015 and present very well.
  • The interior reading light is missing its bulb, the radio is reported to be temperamental, and the passenger’s electric window is slightly slow; but there are no other known electrical issues.
  • The most recent MOT test was on 13 May 2021 at 22,047 miles, which was a first-time pass with no advisories or defects.

SERVICE HISTORY

  • Safwat Cars in Southend-on-Sea acquired and restored the car in 2015, which included a full respray, and suspension rebuild, along with new sill members, shocks, bushes, track rod ends, brakes, a new windscreen and new brake and clutch master cylinders.
  • Technicians at renowned Lotus specialist GST Performance in Newmarket then performed a comprehensive mechanical recommissioning in 2017, at cost of £11,500, including a full engine rebuild with new pistons, con rods, valves, a water pump, machined heads and rebuilt carburettors. The ignition system and brake servo were rebuilt, and the Webasto sunroof was refurbished.
  • In 2018, it received a full Dinitrol underbody rust prevention treatment at CSK Automotive in Broxbourne.
  • In September 2019 at 21,465 miles, the gearbox oil and track rod ends were refurbished, before the clutch was adjusted and the steering rack and a small oil leak (possibly from the reverse lamp switch) was inspected at Ranscombe Cars in Knebworth.
  • Its most recent scheduled maintenance was in May 2020 at 21,779 miles, where technicians at Andrew Brodie Engineering in London changed the engine oil, filter and spark plugs.

SUMMARY

This Lotus Elan +2S 130/5 is a stylish classic coupe, which has undergone a comprehensive restoration and engine rebuild. With its 130hp ‘big valve’ engine and later five-speed manual transmission, it is reported to drive very well with a willing engine and impressive handling. It represents arguably the most sought-after +2 Elan, and as such would make a collectible and thoroughly enjoyable addition to any collection.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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.

Car Overview

  • 22,102 miles
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Cirrus White
  • Oatmeal
  • 1.6L


Any questions?

WhatsApp us

Lot Overview

  • Lot #04028
  • private Sale
  • Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Seller

Own a similar Lotus?

Sell it with us

Exterior  (127)

1973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/5

Interior  (53)

1973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/5

Mechanical  (17)

1973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/51973 LOTUS ELAN +2S 130/5
  • List for FREE
  • Sell for FREE
  • Hassle Free
Sell with Us