Highlights

Desirable +2S deluxe version, fitted with the 126 hp “Big Valve” engine
Rare cabriolet in Rouge Montpellier with beige interior
Regularly serviced
Registered in France since 2009 and owned by the current owner since 2020
Matching chassis and engine numbers according to the vendor
Roadworthy inspection advertised as valid until November 2026

The appeal

At Lotus, Colin Chapman knew his customers well. As the company grew, its early buyers, initially young, were also maturing. He realised they might then seek a car suited to family life. The answer was the Elan +2, a long-wheelbase sports car, as light as possible and designed to carry two adults and two children in real comfort, even over long distances.

Lotus never offered the Elan +2 as a factory convertible. Several coachbuilders therefore set about converting the coupe to meet this demand. This Rouge Montpellier car is said to have left the factory in the deluxe 2S specification, with the Lotus-Ford twin-cam engine and “Big Valve” cylinder head, quoted at 126 hp, before being converted into a convertible. According to the vendor, aside from this bodywork modification, the car retains its original specification.

The car is presented in good overall condition and as perfectly usable. It has beige leather trim and well-maintained paintwork. The vendor, who bought it in 2020, states it has had regular servicing. Some seals and trim, however, need replacing; the required parts are supplied.

The vendor advises a roadworthy inspection valid until November 2026.

The vendor states:

“Very rare convertible version of this model with a 130 hp Lotus engine. Easy to drive; the car is light and therefore very manoeuvrable.”

Key information

Mileage: 71,273 miles shown, approximately 114,704 km; mileage believed accurate by the vendor
Country of registration: France
Roadworthy inspection: advertised as valid until November 2026
Engine: 1.6-litre Lotus-Ford four-cylinder twin-cam, “Big Valve” version, quoted at 126 hp
Gearbox: four-speed manual
Documents: standard French registration certificate (carte grise), matching chassis and engine numbers according to the vendor, and service invoices

The details

Kept in a garage by the current owner since purchase in 2020
Rouge Montpellier paintwork in good overall condition given the age and mileage
Paintwork judged to be in very good condition, with few imperfections according to the photos
A few paint chips and a body crack reported
Period alloy wheels in good overall condition, slightly tarnished
Steel spare wheel supplied
Front and rear bumper chrome slightly aged, but not unsightly
Black fabric folding hood, which appears to work correctly
Beige tonneau cover supplied, matching the interior
Beige 2+2 cabin in good condition, with slight ageing to some elements
Small scuff or tear on the passenger seat
2S deluxe trim with walnut veneers and original additional gauges
Interior trim in good condition, with normal ageing for a car of this age
Regularly serviced, supported by invoices according to the vendor
Seals and trim to be replaced; replacement parts included
Roadworthy inspection advertised as valid until November 2026

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also accept the following:

✓ The vendor is registered as a private seller, meaning consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by the Car & Classic terms and conditions.

✓ We require non-refundable fees to be paid if you are the successful bidder or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for the specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is “sold as seen”, on an “as is, where is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are provided for guidance only, and it is standard practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or bid price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want the transaction to go smoothly, just as you do, which is why cars and motorcycles registered in the UK and listed on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to confirm they carry no insurance database markers for damage or theft and are not subject to any finance encumbrance, so you can bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as written off following a total loss at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always worthwhile to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collecting or delivering the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company to help. For more details and to speak with the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.