The original Lotus Elan was a fantastic car, but for many it was just a little bit too small. The Elan + 2 was Lotus’s attempt at making it more practical, though it is a Lotus, so such things are relative. There are two rear seats, but they’re for small people. Lots more luggage room is a big plus, though, and then there’s the coupé styling.
This example began life as one of the rarest +2s known – a JPS special edition, which would have originally left the factory in the John Player Special livery of black with gold leaf detailing. The company was Lotus’s F1 sponsor at the time and the colour scheme prominent.
It was changed to its current blue colour at the same time it was rebuilt onto a Spyder galvanized chassis. Being a "John Player Special" edition, as well as featuring the "Big Valve" 130bhp engine and 5-speed gearbox, makes this a very highly specified vehicle.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
Some older invoices and past MOT certificates
Lotus Certificate of Authenticity confirming that it is number 88 of 115 JPS models built, and was black when it left the factory
Last owner for over 20 years
THE INTERIOR
Smart black bucket seats
Wood veneers
Three-spoke leather sports wheel with Lotus centre boss
Sporty eight-dial dash
Period Philips push-button MW/LW radio
Electric windows
Genuine chrome-finish passenger map reading light
THE EXTERIOR
Smart metallic blue – a genuine period Lotus colour
Alloy wheels
Older restoration now showing patina / character including Microblisters under the paint
All chrome and original trim appears present
Galvanised Spyder chassis
THE MECHANICS
1,558cc-litre ‘Big Valve’ four
130bhp
Five-speed manual
Starts and runs well
The car starts and drives with no obvious faults being evident other than those noted however this vehicle is being auctioned as needing a good going over before any use as there may be faults which are not noted
SUMMARY
it may not look as it did when it left the Norfolk factory in 1973, but this is nevertheless a genuine JPS Elan +2 and some prep and paint back to it's original black and gold livery would improve the finish of the vehicle while making it instantly recognisable as the very rare vehicle that it is. There’s a certificate of authenticity and a letter from Lotus to back it up and it promises to become an even more highly collectable example in the future
Or, just enjoy it for what it is, which is a generally presentable and smart Elan +2 with plenty of patina and character – an interesting and increasingly desirable model that enthusiasts are starting to take notice of…
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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.
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1973 Lotus Elan +2 JPS 130 5-speed Special Edition
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you\'re able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
