Description
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Rare Hexagon of Highgate conversion, fabulous colour combination, factory galvanised chassis, suspension upgrades and a £13, 000+ recommission 220 miles ago.
• In October 1972 the +2 S 130/ 5 was launched and as suggested by the name, this final derivative of the Elan was to have a 5-speed gearbox and 'big valve' 1, 558cc engine with higher compression for the UK-market
• The factory never offered a soft top +2 so a number of Lotus specialists stepped into the breach including, as this example, Hexagon of Highgate
• Converted from new in 1973 and first registered in 1974, this very attractive big-valve, 5-speed car is finished in Silk Red with an Oatmeal leatherette interior, Walnut dashboard and Lotus alloys
• Previous owner since 2003
• Extensively recommissioned including an engine rebuild in 2019 (£13, 500), with details in the file and only 220 miles since
• Replacement galvanised chassis (11/ 11/ 1996) and has been set up with Pat Thomas suspension/ steering and rose-jointed wishbones
• Supplied with its history file containing the handbooks, invoices etc., an excellent hood and tonneau and two sets of keysSoon after the Elan was first produced, Lotus realised the need for a car that could accommodate the families restricted to the ownership of just one car. The Plus 2 was born and introduced in 1967. The car was 30cm longer, and 18cm wider than the Elan, making it more spacious for both the front seat occupants and it also enabled two small seats to be fitted in the rear. The Plus 2 had arguably better proportions than the Elan and the styling was unmistakably Lotus. Hexagon of Highgate developed the theme even further by engineering their own Plus 2 S Cabriolets in the early 1970’s. In 1971, the +2S 130 was launched with a ‘Big-Valve’ version of the Twin Cam engine giving 126bhp hence the “130” suffix. It produced a maximum torque of 113lb/ ft at 5, 500 rpm, plenty of power to fully enjoy this lightweight sports car. The +2S 130 was an appreciable step up in quality with a raft of ‘luxury’ fittings from quartz halogen fog lights to burr walnut facia and electric windows. The sales brochure of the time boasted, “Standard equipment includes leather-rim wheel, steering lock, cigar lighter, dipping mirror, air horns, electric washers and two-speed wipers.” In October 1972 the long called for five speed gearbox finally arrived to make cruising somewhat less frantic and the Lotus Elan +2S 130/ 5 became the ultimate iteration of the fabulous Elan range.
Seller’s Notes - Lotus Elan +2 130/ 5 Convertible 1974 VGN110M This excellent Lotus Elan +2 has had one family owner since 2003 plus myself.
In 2019 the car had extensive recommissioning done, costing £13. 5k (please see the documentation for the details), after which it was in superb running condition. The valuation of the car by Maidstone Sports Cars was £32k, stating that it is “very rare”. Since its 2019 major servicing, the car has done only 219 miles (from the 2019 MOT record, to its odo reading now). All of those miles would have been covered in 2019 because in 2020 the pandemic/ lockdown meant that the car has been kept in the garage since then.
Car History The car has a lot of documentation included with it from older service and ownership records prior to 2003.
From the photocopies of the V5c / transfer of ownership some of the cars previous keepers were motor traders where the car was bought/ sold. Comes with 2 sets of keys. Also included: 2 Workshop Manuals, the Weber & Dellorto Carburettor Book, plus assorted relevant guides and information sheets.
Car has just been recommisioned from its 6 year hibernation. New battery, coolant among other minor tasks.
Mechanically the car is exceptionally good, the interior is also remarkably good as is the mohair hood.
