Description
The Millbrook Sale | Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire
Viewing: Tues 2nd December from 12pm
Auction: Wed 3rd December from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JH
1968 Lotus Elan +2
Estimate
£11, 000 - £13, 000
Registration No: BTU 800F
Chassis No: 500282
MOT: Exempt
Benefitting from the fitment of a galvanised Spyder chassis in 2018
Notably early example dating from the first full year of production
Cylinder head overhauled in 2017
Offered with a history file including a large selection of MOT certificates and invoices
"The uncanny cornering powers of this remarkable machine equal and probably exceed those of any production car we have driven before: similarly the handling and brakes are certainly not bettered." (Motor magazine, September, 1967).
The Elan name was first applied to Lotus's oh-so-neat, Ron Hickman-penned two-seater Roadster of 1962. It comprised a steel backbone chassis clothed in a lightweight fibreglass body, and powered by a 1, 558cc Cosworth DOHC version of Ford's proven Kent engine. With independent suspension and disc brakes all-round, the Elan was notably light and nimble. However, it was also tight on space, and in June, 1967, the company launched the Elan +2 for those in need of more accommodation. Based on a lengthened and widened version of the original chassis, it boasted a lower drag co-efficient and superior road-holding; the latter courtesy of a six-inch wider track and larger tyres. Lotus summarised its intent by saying "the +2 is designed to carry two adults and two children on a long holiday in comfort."
Dating from the first full year of production, this desirably early Elan +2 appears in lovely condition, having received some extensive renovation over the past 12 years. While little is known of its early life, it was registered new in Britain and the ‘TU’ registration suggests its first home was in Cheshire. Records show the car was White prior to 1989, when it was repainted in the present Red, and there has been a total of eight recorded keepers. Most notably, it is understood to have been owned by renowned Elan and Europa specialist Spydercars from 2006 to 2021, a firm best-known for its replacement chassis and suspension components.
In 2013, the Elan benefitted from some light mechanical work and trim improvements. The carburettors were stripped and cleaned, the timing was reset and a new ring gear was fitted. Also, various wiring repairs were performed, the doors were adjusted and new inner door insulation was installed, the total cost reaching £2, 370. The Elan’s cylinder head was overhauled and reassembled with new parts by Mintro/ Padmore Garage for £516 in 2017, but it benefitted most significantly from a new galvanised Spydercars chassis, which was installed in 2018. Visibly in notably nice condition inside, this charming Elan is sold with a history file including MOTs back to 1991 and assorted invoices.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
