1971 Lotus Elan + 2S 130/5

The original Lotus Elan (Type 26), was first introduced as a roadster and replaced the elegant, but unreliable and costly to produce Lotus Elite. It was the first Lotus road car to use a steel backbone chassis with a fibreglass body and in the early days, Elans were also available in kit form for home assembly but predictably that didn't last long. As is often the way, the Elan evolved through a number of iterations before manufacture ceased in 1973. These developments mainly concerned comfort and civility but all through its life the essence of the Elan didn't change. A technologically advanced DOHC development of Ford's proven "Kent' engine, bored out to 1558cc (commonly known as the Twin-Cam) provided the propulsion, whilst cutting-edge features such as all-round disc brakes, fully independent suspension and precise rack and pinion steering, provided knife-edge responses with predictable handling that left the opposition trailing.

An Elan +2 (Type 50) was introduced in 1967 with a longer wheelbase and two rear seats, but the +2 still embodied the essential Lotus spirit: It was fast and agile and combined the performance and reliability of the original Elan Coupé with genuine 2+2 passenger comfort. Tested maximum power was 108-126 bhp (net) (depending on the model); top speed: 120 mph (190 km/h), 0–60 mph in 7.9 seconds, and 0-100 mph in 21.8 seconds. At the end of production, 5,200 Elan +2s were made and, we believe, fewer than 1,000 of these cars remain on the roads today. Their relative rarity, beautiful lines, impressive performance, and practicality are the main factors for the rising interest in these cars amongst collectors.

The Metallic Brown Elan for sale today is even more rare as it's the Plus 2S 130/5 with the big-valve head, 126bhp and 5-speed gearbox. Dating from 1971, it was mechanically restored between 2010 and 2016. The vendor has told us that the engine was rebuilt by Bruno Hansen Motorsport, and the differential by a local specialist using Tony Thompson parts. The brakes and suspension were all rebuilt using Tony Thompson Racing parts and the front and rear suspension are now “height adjustable”. New drive shafts and joints were sourced from Mick Miller Lotus. There are invoices for all this work and a few photographs, and these are available to inspect. We understand the 5-speed gearbox must have been replaced at some point as, although it's the correct box, the numbers do not match.

On his condition questionnaire the vendor has written; “Original paint, Brown Metallic - micro blisters but very shiny.” The interior; “Tan-in top condition, no cracks, - original radio. All the original stickers are still present. Time warp but 100% working car.”

From the photographs, this Elan does indeed look very shiny, the interior appears excellent and the engine bay is very impressive. These are rare cars and this well cared for example is definitely worth a look.