1969 Lotus Elan+2 S
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Highlights
- Large restoration completed in 2011/12
- New galvanised subframe
- Huge history file
- MOT, tax, and ULEZ exempt
The Appeal
The sleepy county of Norfolk is best known for being rather quiet with some rather splendid beaches, however, tucked away on an RAF base the world-famous Lotus Cars have been hand-building some of the most exquisite lightweight sports cars for several decades now.
Back in 1967, the Elan+2 was their newest car to hit the market, a longer, wider-tracked, more family-orientated, sports car its 1600cc Lotus Twin-Cam engine would pull it down the road swiftly.
This example was in long-term dry storage for several decades before receiving a ground-up restoration in 2011/12. Thanks to this meticulous restoration the car now sits in great mechanical condition. You should be able to hop in, turn the key, and instantly start to enjoy this characterful classic.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in September 1969 this car has had 3 owners in its life
- It was dry stored for some 30 years
- Over 2011-12 it underwent a large restoration
- This included a new galvanised chassis supplied by Lotus
- It’s covered roughly 13,000 miles since the rebuild
- The previous owner has spent thousands in recent years
- There is a large history file present with the car – a lot of which has been photographed
- V5c is present in the current owner’s name
- MOT, tax, and ULEZ exempt
- In March 2023 the car had new steering rack inner rods, a new battery, and a reconditioned started motor
- The current owner has looked after it well during their ownership
- It is stored in a large garage under a cover
- It is now ready to get out and explore the best roads
The Interior
- Inside this little Elans original interior is in rather good condition indeed
- It is said that the interior was carefully removed before the car went into storage
- The black seats are presented with no rips or tears to the material
- There is some wear on the driver’s side bolster
- Its beautiful wood veneer dash has a nice sheen to it, however, there are some hairline cracks visible
- Set into the dash is a classic radio that has been adapted to allow MP3 music through an aux
- Surrounding the radio you’ll find a lovely array of analogue dials
- All the dials appear to work, apart from the clock
- Above the light headliner is in very good condition
- This can also be said for the door cards, carpets, and dashboard
- If you’re being very picky there are a few areas that could do with a little tidy up
- Towards the rear, its boot is nice and clean
- Under the removable floor, you’ll find the spare wheel
- Overall, its interior is in very good condition when you consider its age
- Sitting behind that wooden steering wheel will soon become your favourite place to be
The Exterior
- Now doesn’t this classic just look beautiful
- Its sleek bodywork that tapers to a fine point at the front is just great to look at
- To achieve a lightweight car the exterior panels are fibreglass
- They may be light, but over the years they can start to create issues with paintwork
- As such there are a few areas of the exterior paint that, if you want a concours example, might need some work
- The chrome bumpers, front, and rear, are both in good condition
- They show no signs of corrosion/pitting
- To aid aerodynamics pop-up lights were fitted
- These still work well, popping up and retracting as they should
- There was a slight issue with getting the nearside dipped beam to stay on, but this could just be a bulb
- It's four knock-on/off wheels are in good condition
- This Lotus is definitely a looker and will get attention wherever you go
- You won’t find another British classic that looks this good
The Mechanics
- Unsurprisingly this Lotus is in rather fine fettle
- On the day of the photos, the car started straight up from cold
- It then maneuvered around the vendors drive without any issues
- You’ll see from some of the interior shots that the engine has oil pressure
- It is said that the engine was rebuilt in the mid-90s by QED to the ‘big valve spec’ with high-lift cams
- Along with this engine modification, the exhaust was replaced by a stainless-steel system
- The brakes were fully renovated by the previous owners, its CV drive-shafts were converted to metal splines
- Electronic ignition was fitted
- Its twin Webers were rebuilt
- A galvanised chassis was supplied by Lotus and fitted
- The suspension was rebuilt with new bushes and shock absorbers
- A new aluminium fuel tank, new fuel pump, and new oil pump were also fitted
- With all this mechanical work over the past decade, this car now runs very well
- The current owner mentioned they would happily drive long distances without worry
- Overall, this Elan+2 is in very good mechanical condition
Summary
If you’re after a fun, lightweight, British sports car to add to the collection then you shouldn’t pass up on the opportunity to own this beautiful Elan. Thanks to its restoration in 2011-12 and lots of more recent work it is ready to go wherever you want to.
As the sun comes out to play for summer then why not pack the picnic hamper into the boot and go for a drive to a local beauty spot?
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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