1971 Lotus Elan 2+2 For Sale (picture 1 of 137)
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1971 Lotus Elan 2+2 For Sale (picture 1 of 137)
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Winning bid
£6,600

1971 Lotus Elan 2+2

*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT C insurance loss in 1997 ***

Highlights

  • Fitted with a galvanised chassis
  • Essentially all-new running gear, including brakes, suspension, and track rod ends
  • Alternator conversion carried out
  • Dry stored throughout the current owner's ownership

The Appeal

The Elan 2+2 was one of Lotus' finest achievements: a lightweight, fibreglass-bodied sports car built around the famous backbone chassis and powered by the celebrated Lotus twin-cam engine. The 2+2 variant added a welcome dose of practicality to the formula without diluting the driving experience, and remains hugely rewarding to own and drive today. Effortlessly cool, effortlessly fast and effortlessly agile - it's a winning formula through and through. 
This 1970 example comes to market with a galvanised chassis - a significant upgrade that addresses the Achilles' heel of the corrosion-happy factory chassis - and benefits from what the vendor describes as essentially all-new running gear. The brakes, suspension, and track rod ends have all been renewed, and an alternator conversion has been carried out for improved reliability.

We're informed the car is mechanically sound and, crucially, fun to drive. The fibreglass bodywork presents well for its age, with only one or two gel coat cracks to note, while the interior would benefit from a little attention. The vendor suggests that a bit of weekend work would transform this into a thoroughly usable classic, and with the mechanical heavy lifting already done, the next owner is well placed to do just that.

Notes from the seller:
"The Lotus will fire up and run on the button, there is a slight problem with the master cylinder where you can’t get it into gear, it has brakes but would require a trailer to get it to it’s final destination / new home."
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History and Paperwork

  • First registered in 1970 in the United Kingdom
  • Purchased by the current owner in 2021
  • Came with a galvanised chassis at the time of purchase
  • In 1997, the car was declared a Cat C insurance loss 
  • MOT exempt
  • Odometer reads 43,882 miles, believed to be correct

The Condition

  • The vendor describes the car as being in good condition for its age
  • Fibreglass-bodied car with some gel coat cracks to note
  • Some gentle signs of wear, particularly around the sills and trims
  • Wheels carry some age-commensurate wear
  • Sat upon a galvanised chassis
  • Interior could do with a little TLC
  • The seats are generally in good order
  • Some cracks and wear to the wooden fascia
  • Instruments clean and legible
  • Door cards appear in servicable order 

The Mechanics

  • 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder engine
  • Four-speed manual transmission
  • Engine bay appears in good age-commensurate order
  • Alternator conversion has been carried out
  • Essentially all running gear is new, including brakes, suspension, and track rod ends
  • The vendor reports that the car is driving well 
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. 
Winning bid
£6,600
Sold
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Auction Details

  • Year1971
  • MakeLotus
  • ModelElan
  • ColourWhite
  • Odometer43,882 Miles
  • Engine size1600cc
  • TransmissionManual, 4 speed
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownWashington
  • CountyTyne and Wear
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

10 Bids from 9 bidders

lynnehi••••
Bid
£6,600
20/03/26
Russ Ca••••
Bid
£6,500
20/03/26
Landy19••••
Bid
£6,000
20/03/26
Altamar••••
Bid
£5,750
20/03/26
USM••••
Bid
£5,250
20/03/26
gw4••••
Bid
£5,100
19/03/26
gac-fan••••
Bid
£5,000
19/03/26
john.mc••••
Bid
£3,500
18/03/26
lynnehi••••
Bid
£3,000
18/03/26
knight-••••
Bid
£2,600
12/03/26

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