Highlights

Genuine black JPS model, the 89th of only 121 built
Full restoration and Zetec conversion by Spyder Engineering in 2006
Large history folder with detailed invoice history
Garaged and driven only in dry conditions
Recent Yokohama tyres and alloy radiator upgrade
Advisory-free MOT

The Appeal

The advent of the Plus 2 signalled that Lotus was entering a new market. The design brief was clear that the Plus 2 "must be capable of transporting two adults and two children 1,000 miles in comfort with their luggage". A family car from Lotus; who would have thought it?! Ambitious, certainly, but the Plus 2 proved to be an excellent car. Despite a longer wheelbase and double the number of seats, it still had a sub-900 kilo kerb weight, true to Chapman's "simplify and add lightness" philosophy.

This 1973 example is one of the coveted John Player Special models, the 89th of only 121 built. It received a full restoration and Zetec conversion by Spyder Engineering Ltd in 2006 with a total spend at that time of £27,000. The current owner, a seasoned Lotus enthusiast, purchased the vehicle in October 2018, but he has decided to keep his Lotus Elan M100 and reluctantly part with his cherished Elan Plus 2.

There is a large history folder with invoice history for the restoration and subsequent work carried out. The car has been garaged throughout current ownership and only been out in the dry. It has covered 18,0505 miles since the restoration, the current owner having added on average around 1,000 miles a year. Ultimately, this is a sympathetically enhanced, well sorted car that's ready to be enjoyed.

The History and Paperwork

UK market RHD car first registered in October 1973
Genuine black JPS model, the 89th of 121 built
Full restoration and Zetec conversion by Spyder Engineering Ltd in 2006, costing £27,000
Current owner since October 2018
MOT until 30th October 2025
Large history folder with invoice history for restoration and subsequent work
Total mileage unknown; 18,050 miles shown since restoration
Approximately 1,000 miles added per year by the current owner
Garaged and driven only in dry conditions
The last major work and service was carried out by Spyder in July 2022 at 17,326 miles
Current mileage: 18,050 miles

The Condition

Highly resistant to corrosion: galvanised chassis and fibreglass body
Black with a gold stripe, arguably more attractive than the JPS models with a gold flake roof
The vendor notes: "the paintwork, while looking absolutely terrific from three yards, is the one significant weakness", with some spider cracking on the fibreglass body and bubbling around the perimeter of the roof
Chrome brightwork in good condition for its age
Fitted with recent Yokohama tyres
Dual rear fog lamps fitted
Interior presents nicely with well-nourished leather seats
Features a walnut dash and Mota-Lita steering wheel
Headlining has some discolouration
Instrument dials with a white background
Electric windows in working order
Rear seat belts fitted
Includes a Radio/CD player and electric aerial
The vendor notes that the cabin is comfortable, even for tall drivers

The Mechanics

2.0-litre Zetec engine with Emerald ECU and Jenvey Throttle bodies, tuned to 160 BHP
Five-speed manual
Recent key works include new brake servo, cylinder head gasket change, new water pump, full service, new timing belt, alloy radiator upgrade, and twin cooling fans
Excellent oil pressure
Exhaust slightly 'chuffing' with a dent in the first section from the manifold
Combines '70s Lotus charm and handling with modern powertrain and running gear

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