Description
This is lot number 118 in the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Auction on September 7th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
The most powerful and desirable model of Type 50 Elan: the +2S 130
Originally a demonstrator for G S Cars in Warmley, near Bristol
One the most attractive original colour combinations
UK resident car all its life (only six owners)
A very original car now ready to go but retaining its charmingly patinated original interior
Offered here is an example of the most desirable family man's Elan: the +2S 130, which features the 126bhp big-valve variant of Lotus' famed 'Twink' (twin-cam) engine. This more powerful engine was introduced in February 1971, four years into the Type 50's production life, and examples are easily identified by their Metallic Silver roof. This particular car was built at Lotus' Hethel factory, Norfolk, and despatched on 24th May 1973, to G S Cars in Warmley, near Bristol, to serve as their demonstrator. G S Cars had a close association with Lotus and are well known for their the modified G S Europa's. Around 5, 200 Type 50s were manufactured between 1967 and 1974, 2, 088 of which were 130s. This example has been fitted with a five-speed gearbox, making it more usable on modern roads.
The Elan is fresh from comprehensive refurbishment by Ant Anstead and his team for a new TV series, The Naked Mechanic. It was purchased in good original condition, making it ideal for the show, but it had been standing for some years so needed recommissioning. Ant and the team began by carefully stripping the cream vinyl interior, retaining as much of it as possible because it was so charmingly original. The seats and other components were deep cleaned, carefully repaired and then refitted towards the end of the restoration, together with new carpets in both the cabin and boot.
The chassis was thoroughly inspected and found to be in very good condition, retaining the factory chassis/ body interface, which is only ever original once. The suspension had a complete overhaul and was restored to a high quality, with only the front lower wishbones requiring replacement with new items. The brake system was rebuilt with new callipers, discs, pads and hoses. The timing chain was replaced and engine fitted with a new cylinder head gasket. During this process it was noted the head had been gas-flowed to a high standard, meaning it picks up revs even more eagerly. Height-adjustable coil-over suspension is the only other notified modification.
The glassfibre bodyshell, which so often cracks, was in unusually good condition and has been repainted to a high standard in the original colours - Metallic Silver over Lagoon Blue - so redolent of the era. The original Lotus alloy wheels were refurbished and diamond cut before being fitted with new tyres.
Ant Anstead sums up the car: "Chapman was so innovative and achieved so much in so little time. Working on the Type 50 has been a joy because you can see how his fertile mind worked to keep everything so light. I love the noise that twin-cam makes as well! I'm proud of this car - it is ready to be enjoyed but retains its charming interior patina and feel."
