Lot details
Registration No: FTN 14K
Chassis No: 7112180600L
Mot Expiry: June 2010

"The uncanny cornering powers of this remarkable machine equal and probably exceed those of any production car we have driven before: similarly the handling and brakes are certainly not bettered." (Motor magazine, September 1967).

Lotus first applied the Elan name to its small two-seater Roadster of 1962. It comprised a steel backbone chassis clothed in a lightweight fibreglass body. Power came from a 1558cc Cosworth twin-cam version of Ford's ubiquitous `Kent' engine. With independent suspension all round and four-wheel disc brakes, the Elan was both light and nimble. It was, however rather lacking in space and in June 1967 Lotus introduced the Elan +2 Coupe for those that needed more accommodation. Based on a suitably lengthened/widened version of its smaller sibling's chassis, the newcomer enjoyed both better aerodynamics and superior grip (thanks to a 0.30 drag co-efficient and six-inch wider track/fatter tyres). And, as the name suggests, it offered two extra seats - in the company's own words, "The +2 is designed to carry two adults and two children on a long holiday in comfort". The+2S 130 version went on sale in February 1971, bringing with it a welcome a welcome boost in performance. Powered by a 'Big Valve' version of the same twin-cam engine, this final incarnation of the +2 was reputedly capable of 121mph and 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds.

The manual righthand drive +2S 130 on offer sports blue coachwork complemented by a black vinyl interior. It was built in 1971 and left the factory on January 21st 1972. It was restored around a Spyder chassis in 1988-1992, the detail of which is confirmed in a letter from Chris Foulds Ltd. After a quiet period, the car has been used regularly since May 2005 and we are informed that "since 2006 new camshafts, water pump and an AP Racing clutch have been fitted, the brakes comprehensively overhauled and the gearbox refurbished". This year alone, the car has reportedly had "a new dashboard, starter motor and battery". The Elan is taxed and MOT'd into 2010 and comes with "original steering wheel, spare hub spinners, additional spare wheel, all MOT's and tax discs since 1992 and a good selection of records and invoices".