Recent and extensive 18 month nut & bolt restoration
Full engine rebuild and running gear renewed
Less than 1,000 miles covered since returning to road
Only two previous owners
Kept in storage for over 40 years
Very good condition - one of the best we have seen
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 and very comprehensively restored. It has covered less than 1,000 miles since returning to the road. With numerous components renewed or refurbished, this car is close to concours quality - a superb example of Lotus' incredible sports car. i3AKfx73bmxsvetnyFL8PvKbhJgvuzDJAjgD2MPe.jpg1.35 MB
The History and 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
Oil change and service in October 2023
Stored on a trickle charge and under cover when not in use
Not used in wet or during winter
Has only covered 18 miles during 2024
Notable work during the 18 month restoration:
Bare body shell taken back to gel coat
Repainted in original two pack paint
Chrome work fully rechromed
Chassis sand blasted and repainted
Wheels and callipers repainted
New outer side sills
Four new tyres
Suspension replaced
Brake disc and pads renewed
New metal pipe and rubber work
New big bore exhaust manifold connected to a new stainless exhaust system
Engine totally rebuilt
Block re-bored with new pistons,
Cylinder head pressure tested,
New valves, springs, seals and gaskets.
Water pump replaced
New timing chain, starter motor, fuel pump, electronic distributor and coil.
Carburettors overalled with new jets, seals and gaskets
Replacement brake servo with new master brake cylinder
Clutch and slave cylinders replaced
Electric headlamp conversion using original pull switch
Halogen driving lamps
Hazard warning light system fitted
High power audio system installed with Bluetooth
High output speakers in original place on rear shelf
Original Pye push button radio supplied with car
CV driveshaft in place of the old rubber donuts
The vendor states:
"This is a beautiful Lotus Elan 2+2 now in great condition following a 18 month total nut and bolt restoration, totally recommissioned by myself and put back on the road in July22. I am the 3rd owner of this Jan 68 car after being in dry storage for 43years. I have kept the car very original, I’ve reconditioned where possible or renewed and replaced where required, overall car is in exceptional condition in this eye catching Lo7 Lotus yellow.
"Being a Lotus fanatic from a very young age I have a lot of experience and have built many a Lotus over the years, but now have another project awaiting hence the sale.
"I’ve been very meticulous with this restoration and tried to find a balance between originality and use ability along with modest enhancements with most original items kept as they were back in the day."
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.
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. WUWmIepWf7RBNlbnWVLlsXolQaMYxTYiaOHc8dEL.jpg1.93 MB
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
Extensive mechanical refurbishment outlined above
When you buy a restored Elan - and, obviously, we recommend you do - what sets a good one apart is the quality of the ingredients used and the knowledge of the person managing the work. On both these points this car, appropriately for a Lotus, excels.
The scope of the work is summarised above and certainly fits into the category of 'extensive.' It has been an obvious labour of love, as the comments included from the vendor warmly attest.
The result is a very well sorted car that blends refurbishment with originality to arrive with the buyer in very good condition.
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.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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