Highlights

Numbers-matching, California-sourced example now offered as a restoration project
In current ownership for approximately eight years
Customs cleared and VAT settled in the Netherlands
Supplied with new replacement parts including rear light lenses, front grille, boot lettering, and Lexan glazing
Fitted with period-correct JAP Magna racing alloys and Koni dampers

The Appeal

The Lotus Elan +2, penned by Ron Hickman during Lotus's golden era of Formula 1 dominance, married genuine sports car dynamics with just enough practicality for two occasional rear passengers. Its steel backbone chassis and fibreglass body delivered the kind of agility and lightness that defined Colin Chapman's engineering philosophy, while the Lotus-Ford Twin-Cam engine provided a willing and characterful power unit. Regarded by many as one of the most elegant British sports cars of its generation, the Elan +2 remains a sought-after classic.

This particular example is a Federal-specification car produced in December 1969 and dispatched to the US East Coast distributor in March 1970. It spent decades in California before being imported to Europe in 2018 by the current owner. As a dry-state car, it benefits from the kind climate that California affords. The vendor notes the engine has been started on an external fuel feed and appeared to run adequately, though a full recommissioning is advised before road use. The fibreglass body requires minor repairs, and the windscreen will need to be sourced, but a selection of new replacement parts is included at no extra cost. Period accessories including electric windows, a Webasto folding sunroof, and a CoolAir Miami air conditioning unit add to the specification. Located in Udine, north-east Italy, this is an interesting basis for a rewarding restoration of one of Chapman's most celebrated road cars.

Key Information

Mileage: 31,780 miles indicated
Location: Province of Udine, Italy; imported from the United States (Los Angeles) in 2018 with customs cleared and VAT settled in the Netherlands
Technical inspection status: no current technical inspection reported
Technical specs: 1.6-litre Lotus Twin-Cam four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
Paperwork: not stated

The Detail

Federal specification, left-hand drive
Produced December 1969 and dispatched to the US East Coast distributor in March 1970
Engine started on an external fuel feed a few years ago and appeared to run adequately; start-up video available upon request, we are told
Minor fuel leak noted from one carburettor
Engine was run briefly without coolant; full recommissioning is advised
Fibreglass body requires minor repairs, mainly from improper jacking and incorrect installation of the AC radiator
Windscreen is not present and will need to be sourced
Original rear screen and door glasses are missing; Lexan replacements are included but uninstalled
Full Smiths instrument dashboard including speedometer, rev counter, oil temperature, water temperature, fuel level, and ammeter
Electric windows fitted
Period accessories include a Roadstar 5000 in-car radio, cruise control, CoolAir Miami air conditioning unit, and Webasto folding sunroof
New, uninstalled parts included in the sale: rear light lenses, Lotus boot lettering, and front grille
Original colour is reported as Cirrus White
Transport within the EU can be arranged by the owner at an additional agreed cost

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.