£25,000
offers 1
1968 Lotus Elan 2+2
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Extensive nut & bolt restoration
- Only two previous owners
- Kept in storage for over 40 years
THE APPEAL
Born from the visionary mind of Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus Cars, the Elan is an exceptional, lightweight sports car and the perfect embodiment of Lotus’ philosophy of ‘simplify, then add lightness’.
This ethos of weight and the lack of it could compensate for the lack of raw horsepower is demonstrated exemplary in the Elan, which boasted the use of a fibreglass body with a steel backbone chassis, allowing the car to weigh a mere 680kg.
Designed not only to be lightweight but also aerodynamic and attractive. The Elans shape is a harmonious blend of form and function. The elegant, sleek shape is easy on the eye and a testament to Chapman’s engineering prowess.
The +2 is a larger derivation of Lotus’ excellent sports car, with the wheelbase extended by 12 inches allowing for two extra seats. The weight increased slightly to 889 kg but the 1558cc TwinCam engine still pushes the car to enjoyable and thrilling standards.
Presented in exemplary condition, this Elan +2 has only seen three owners since its registration in 1968. It was put into storage in 1979 where it stayed until 2022 when it was extensively restored. With numerous components renewed or refurbished, this is a superb example of Lotus' incredible sports car.
THE HISTORY & PAPERWORK
- V5c present
- UK registered 25th January 1968
- Only two previous owners
- Taken off-road and stored from 1979 - 2022
- Extensive nut & bolt restoration in 2022
- Multiple invoices for restoration work
- Invoice for recommissioning from Classic Cars of Kent
- Invoice for engine restoration from David Moore Engineering
- Part receipts from Mick Miller Classic Lotus
- Original Lotus owners handbook and service book present
THE INTERIOR
- Original interior with minor restoration carried out where required
- Well-presented
- Elegant & sporty environment
Inside the Elan you are greeted with a spectacular display of sporty elegance and 60s automotive splendour. The first thing you’ll notice is the incredible arrangement of instrument dials and switches all positioned perfectly on the exceptional Walnut dash which was renewed during the 2022 restoration. This arrangement is simply gorgeous and makes you feel like you’re at the helm of something truly special.
The interior is reported to be in highly original order, with only a few areas recommissioned to bring it back up to a good standard. The front bucket seats are in good condition and bring further nostalgic joy to the party, finished in black vinyl they are free from any noticeable damage, as are the door cards and petite rear seats. A new roof lining, carpets and underlay have been fitted to add a fresher feel to the cab.
THE EXTERIOR
- Excellent condition
- Repainted Lotus Yellow L07
- Professionally restored with a back-to-gel 2-pack coat
- Rechromed metalwork
The classic sleek and curvaceous bodyline of the Elan provided aerodynamic function as well as giving the car its beautiful aesthetics. Professionally restored in 2022 with a back-to-gel 2-pack coat and respray to Lotus Yellow, this Elan is in superb condition and stands out as a truly exceptional restoration. Trims, badges and bumpers have all been re-chromed to ensure this 60s stunner is looking her best and the 13’’ wheels are presented well with new rubber.
In addition, the pop-up headlights are now electronic and reported to be fully operational. This is without question a wonderful example of the Elan and an exceptional classic to behold.
THE MECHANICS
- Rebuilt 1558cc Twin Cam Engine
- DOHC inline-4
- Still running in
- Manual transmission
- Multiple components replaced or refurbished
- Supported by multiple receipts and invoices
- Reported to be in excellent running condition
- Serviced at 78,621 miles in September 2022
- Serviced at 78,905 miles May 2023
- Weber Carburettor
SUMMARY
Exceptionally restored and stunningly presented, this Lotus Elan +2 is an exciting opportunity for any keen enthusiast who wishes to own a ‘Chapman’ era Lotus that can be used, driven and experienced. A rewarding classic, with a lot of life ahead of it, this is one Classic you don’t want to miss out on.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Lotus
- Model Elan
- Colour Lotus Yellow
- Odometer 79,091 Miles
- Engine size 1558
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town East Grinstead
- Location Surrey
- Country United Kingdom
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