1970 Lotus Elan +2

In 1957, the Lotus Company owned by Colin Chapman was on the verge of bankruptcy. The success of the Elan is one of the main reasons Lotus is now a successful corporation. The lightweight fiberglass body fitted to a steel backbone chassis provided excellent performance and amazing handling. Mr. Ron Hickman was the designer of Elan and a former employee of the Ford Corporation. Lotus launched a legend in 1962, the Lotus Elan. Following on from the previous Elite model the new Elan offered improved handling, performance and had a less fragile feel to its overall design. Below the Elan bonnet sat a twin-cam four cylinder engine which would become a legend in its own right, powering other classic Lotus models including the Cortina sports-saloons.

Initially the Elan came as an open two seater, from 1964 a fixed head coupe was also available, both bodies being constructed from GRP and mounted on a separate chassis. In 1967 a new Elan +2 joined the range which offered more comfort in a classic GT format. Both models continued to sell well throughout the late-60’s with various model changes.

The Elan ceased production in 1973 and the Elan +2 in 1975. An estimated total of 17,000 original Elans and Elan +2‘s were built.

This 1970 Lotus Elan +2 Fixed Head Coupe is a classic example of Lotus success, excellent performance and amazing handling. This example has been completely restored (Frame-off) over the years and shows its quality very well. The engine is a four cylinder, four stroke, twin overhead camshaft unit, with a cast aluminium cylinder head. This 1558 cc engine with Twin Strombergs puts out about 108 bhp @ 6000.00 RPM. The exterior is finished in a bright Red with a black fixed top. The interior is black vinyl in great condition with matching black carpeting and Pwr. Windows. The undercarriage much like the body is extremely solid. Overall this Elan +2 runs and drives extremely well.