This car was built in 1973 and sold as a 1974 in the UK. It had a body off restoration in the early 90’s before it was shipped to the US and includes an updated galvanized backbone and was repainted from the original factory Ford Tawny Metallic in what appears to be Ferrari Fly Yellow. GM had acquired the company and oversaw these cars so that they were among the very best cars Lotus had ever produced during this time. The +2 is 13″ longer and 1″ wider affording it the distinction of being a true Grand Touring model with long legs and comfortable accommodation for taller drivers, well beyond the delicate nature of the smaller 2 seater Elan model.
The original plates assigned to the car on manufacture still remain intact, as does the original interior and original equipment Phillips radio as documented by the Lotus Certificate of authenticity that comes with the car. An air horn is standard.
Also included; the original Elan +2 driver’s handbook as well as the hard to find supplementary driver’s book for this rare 130/5 edition. The Paul Maddy original loose leaf Service Manual is also included along with many documents dealing with the work performed on the car through the years it was a factory rep car in the UK and the imported to the US. It appears to be one of 5 cars configured this way that are now in the USA because of the right hand drive, 5 speed transmission and Dellorto carb setup. The original jack and another spider rim and tire in the boot are complimented by a special leather wrapped spinoff tool.
Battery is equipped with a manual shutoff and trickle charge cord in the trunk. The original rug and upholstery condition throughout attest to this car’s comfortable life.
The engine is the most powerful twin cam version and has the original 5 speed transmission and has been fitted with a newer auxiliary automatic electric cooling fans. The rarer and more desirable Dellorto carb setup makes this car the one to have if you want it all. Equipped with an outside ambient temp gauge, swing out map light, clock, and glove box light, even the doors have lights on their edges (the bullet bulbs have been removed to allow for car show presentation, but are included). The full array of Smith’s gauges are mounted on a burled dash of exceptional condition.
A new alternator has been fitted as well as a new slave cylinder for the clutch. Typical gas fume issues have been dealt with by running new vent hoses. Gas slosh from the filler cap has been rectified by an internal sleeve with additional rubber gasket. Mileage can easily approach and surpass 30 mpg since the car is so light with it’s rigid all fiberglass body. Light surface rust can be found on some untouched components underneath and there is the typical slight oil sheen and occasional drip that is so typical of the highly regarded twin cam engine. This is a engaging car to drive on long trips or for spirited country lane outings. The right hand drive experience has been a delight to explore during my tenure, and is sure to bring awards, applause, and admiring looks. This is truly a car you will want to own if you don’t want to see anyone else with the same body work on the road or at a car show. You will find all parts and advice to be quite accessible from R&D Enterprises in Quakertown, PA. All of the running gear including the rotoflex couplings is shared by other Lotus cars of this era.
