1971 Lotus Elan +2S 130
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Highlights
- Extensive restoration in 1995 across bodywork, interior and mechanicals
- Very good condition due to sparing use since completion
- +2S upgraded to 126bhp spec was at the Lotus factory before initial sale
- Lots of recent work invested in running gear
- Usefully comes with a reassuring MOT
- Recent brake fluid change and service by Lotus specialist
The Appeal
The Elan +2 gave family men - because it was mostly men back then - the chance to experience Lotus’ sporting gem whilst fulfilling supermarket and family transport duties.
Chapman’s genius meant that the longer, more practical chassis didn’t compromise the qualities that made the Elan so good. The car evolved from the +2S with 118bhp to the ‘Big Valve’ with 130bhp.
This 2+2 Elan began life as a +2S but was upgraded later in life to 130bhp Big Valve specification. Comprehensively restored in over three years in the 1990s, work that included a body-off refurbishment, new galvanised chassis, interior retrim and mechanical overhaul, it has been sparingly used since.
The car is tax and MOT exempt but has been usefully regularly MOT’d since 2012. The current keeper acquired the car in 2020 and has always garaged it, only using it in the dry. He has invested in the running gear to improve the driveability and it has been regularly serviced annually by a Lotus specialist.
The result is a car that arrives on the market in very good condition, one that drives well and is ready to enjoy. The Elan +2S is one of 60s motoring’s greats and this one looks very tempting.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 12th March 1971
- Seven registered keepers from new
- Vendor advises that there have been four keepers since 1988
- Chassis number corresponds to an early 1971 +2S
- One of 1,650 +2S factory cars
- History file includes invoices, receipts and MOTs
- Factory owner’s handbook and works manual included
- Certificate of Provenance from Lotus
- Scale model of Elan +2S chassis
- Regularly MOT’d since 2012 which verifies sparing use
- Purchased by current keeper in 2020
- Always garaged by current keeper and never used in wet
- Upgraded to Big Valve after factory
- Annually serviced by Lotus specialist since 2012
- MOT to 3rd August 2024 with 97,962 miles showing and one minor advisory
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt as Historic Vehicle by age
- Restored in 1990s with summary below
Three year restoration in 1990s included:
- Body-off restoration
- Rebuilt on new galvanised chassis
- Retrimmed interior
- Mechanicals rebuilt and reconditioned and powder coated
Recent mechanical work since 2020:
- Desirable CV joint driveshaft conversion
- Electronic ignition
- New top ball joints
- Steering rack gaiters
- Speedometer overhaul and speedo cable
- New fuel pump and gasket and carburettor fuel lines
- New ignition items
- Heater fan motor
- Throttle and bonnet cables
- New brake servo and brake lines repiped
- New brake master cylinder
- Replacement high torque starter motor
- Fuel tank breather modifications
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- Various new switches
- Halogen headlamp kit
- Carburettors recently stripped and set up
- Recent brake fluid change and service by Lotus specialist
The Condition
- Very tidy red paintwork with factory-correct +2S 130 silver roof
- +2S updated aesthetics including bonnet bulge
- Very clean and galvanised chassis with powder coated components
- Paintwork well kept with no visible crazing according to seller
- Pop up headlights use the original vacuum system showing integrity of chassis and engine
- Black 2+2 interior with smart veneer dashboard
- We are told there is a small imperfection in the veneer but otherwise very tidy
- Small tear in one of the front seats, not immediately visible in photos
- Three spoke factory leather-rimmed steering wheel
- Black alloy wheels with polished rims and three-eared spinners
- Vendor reports that the passenger door lock does not work from inside
The Mechanics
- 1,558cc Lotus twin cam engine with Big Valve 130bhp upgrade
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Desirable Weber carburettors
- Original factory engine according to seller
- Slight oil leak to note and ambient temperature gauge is faulty
- Vendor reports slight valve timing noise
- Gearbox reported to be sweet with smooth, easy changes
- Starts and runs well
- Brakes work effectively and are balanced
- Runs with good oil pressure at a constant temperature without overheating issues
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1971
- Make Lotus
- Model Elan
- Colour Red
- Odometer 98,129 Miles
- Engine size 1558
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Chesterfield
- Location Derbyshire
- Country United Kingdom
6
bids
from 3
bidders
- SimonE1•••• £10,000 03/05/24
- BowRoad•••• £9,000 03/05/24
- BowRoad•••• £8,000 03/05/24
- SimonE1•••• £5,000 03/05/24
- Sir Edw•••• £3,000 03/05/24
- SimonE1•••• £2,500 02/05/24
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