Lotus Elan Plus 2 (1967-75)
Overview: The **Lotus Elan Plus 2**, introduced in **1967**, was a significant evolution of the original **Lotus Elan**, marking a shift toward a more refined and practical sports car while maintaining Lotus' core principles of lightweight performance and agility.
**Significance to Lotus**
- **Expansion into the Grand Touring Market**: The Plus 2 was designed to appeal to buyers who wanted a **family-friendly sports car**, offering **2+2 seating** while retaining the driving dynamics of the original Elan.
- **Upmarket Positioning**: Lotus moved further into the **luxury sports car segment**, incorporating **higher-quality materials**, a **wood veneer dashboard**, and **improved soundproofing**.
- **Engineering Innovation**: The Plus 2 retained the **steel backbone chassis** but was **lengthened** to accommodate rear seats, making it more practical while preserving Lotus' hallmark handling.
- **First Fully Factory-Built Lotus**: Unlike earlier Lotus models, the Plus 2 was **not sold in kit form**, ensuring **consistent build quality** and appealing to a broader audience Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/lotus/elan-plus-two/).
- **Sales Success**: The Plus 2 was well-received, with production figures estimated between **4,526 and 5,228 units**, helping Lotus establish itself as a serious road car manufacturer.
- **Influence on Future Models**: The Plus 2 paved the way for later **luxury-oriented Lotus models**, including the **Lotus Elite** and **Lotus Eclat**, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for blending performance with practicality.
The Plus 2 remains a **highly collectible classic**, admired for its **balance of comfort and driving pleasure**. Would you like to explore how it compares to its rivals or its impact on modern Lotus models? You can also check out more details [here](https://www.lotuscars.com/en-US/lotus-story/road-cars/elan-plus-2).
Production Total: 5,200
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Price New: The Lotus Elan Plus 2, introduced in 1967, was priced at approximately **£1,399** in the UK. It was designed as a more spacious and practical version of the original Elan, catering to those who wanted a sporty car with room for four.
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Sales: The **Lotus Elan Plus 2** was a **moderate sales success** for **Lotus Cars**. Produced between **1967 and 1975**, it expanded Lotus' market reach by offering a **2+2 grand tourer** while maintaining the brand’s signature lightweight performance.
**Sales & Market Impact**
- **Production Numbers**: Estimates suggest between **4,526 and 5,228 units** were built Market - CLASSIC.COM](https://www.classic.com/m/lotus/elan/2/).
- **Upmarket Appeal**: The Plus 2 was Lotus' first fully **factory-built** car, attracting buyers who wanted a refined sports car without the hassle of kit assembly Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/lotus/elan-plus-two/).
- **Strong Enthusiast Following**: While not a mass-market success, the Plus 2 developed a loyal fan base among **classic car collectors** and **Lotus enthusiasts** Market - CLASSIC.COM](https://www.classic.com/m/lotus/elan/2/).
- **Influence on Future Models**: The Plus 2 paved the way for later **luxury-oriented Lotus models**, including the **Lotus Elite** and **Lotus Eclat** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/lotus/elan-plus-two/).
Today, the Plus 2 remains a **highly collectible classic**, admired for its **balance of comfort and driving pleasure**. Would you like to explore how it compares to its rivals or its impact on modern Lotus models? You can also check out more details [here](https://www.classic.com/m/lotus/elan/2/).
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Lotus Elan Plus 2** has seen fluctuating values over the years, reflecting its rarity and appeal among classic car enthusiasts. Based on recent valuation sources:
- **Lowest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£4,839**.
- **Highest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£29,801**.
- **Median price** for an Elan Plus 2 in average condition: **£14,999**.
- **Total sales value** since 2020: **£816,564**.
- **Sell-through rate**: **79%**, indicating strong demand in the collector market.
These figures suggest that the Elan Plus 2 remains a sought-after classic, with values influenced by condition, provenance, and market demand. If you're looking for a more detailed valuation or historical trends, platforms like **The Classic Valuer** provide insights into pricing comparisons over time.
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Rivals: In 1967, the Lotus Elan Plus 2 faced competition from several sports cars in the UK. Here are some approximate prices of its main rivals at the time:
- **MGB GT**: Around £1,102.
- **Triumph TR4A**: Approximately £1,050.
- **Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII**: Around £1,165.
- **Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2**: Starting at £2,097.
These cars offered a range of styles and performance levels, making the sports car market quite exciting.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **454 Lotus Elan Plus 2 cars** recorded in the UK. It's impressive how many of these elegant classics have been preserved over the years.
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The Lotus Elan Plus 2 (1967-1975) is a classic car, but like many vintage vehicles, it has its share of common faults. Here are a few issues that owners often encounter:
1. **Electrical Problems**: The wiring in these cars can be problematic, leading to issues with the ignition system and other electrical components.
2. **Fuel System Issues**: Problems with the carburettors, such as incorrect float heights and balance, can cause poor running and misfiring.
3. **Chassis and Suspension**: The chassis can suffer from rust, and the suspension components may wear out or become misaligned, leading to handling issues.
4. **Cooling System**: Overheating can be a problem, often due to issues with the radiator or water pump.
5. **Bodywork**: The fiberglass body can develop cracks and other damage over time.
Despite these faults, many enthusiasts find the Elan Plus 2 to be a rewarding car to own and drive, thanks to its performance and classic design.
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Generations
The Lotus Elan Plus 2, produced between 1967 and 1975, went through several iterations but is generally considered to have **three main variants**:
1. **Elan +2**: The original model introduced in 1967.
2. **Elan +2S**: Introduced in 1969, featuring improved trim and equipment.
3. **Elan +2S 130**: Launched in 1971, this variant included a more powerful engine and, from 1972, an optional five-speed gearbox.
Each variant brought enhancements in performance, comfort, and features, making the Elan Plus 2 a beloved classic among enthusiasts.
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Trim Levels
The Lotus Elan Plus 2 (1967-1975) had several trim levels and variants throughout its production run:
1. **Elan +2**: The original model introduced in 1967.
2. **Elan +2S**: Introduced in 1969, featuring improved trim and equipment.
3. **Elan +2S 130**: Launched in 1971, this variant included a more powerful engine and, from 1972, an optional five-speed gearbox.
Each trim level brought enhancements in performance, comfort, and features, making the Elan Plus 2 a beloved classic among enthusiasts.
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Engines
The Lotus Elan Plus 2 used a few different engines during its production from 1967 to 1975:
1. **Lotus-Ford Twin Cam Engine**: The primary engine was a 1.6-liter (1558cc) inline-four, known as the Lotus-Ford Twin Cam. This engine featured twin overhead camshafts and was renowned for its performance and reliability.
2. **Big Valve Engine**: In the later models, particularly the Elan +2S 130, a more powerful version of the Twin Cam engine was used. This "Big Valve" engine produced more horsepower, enhancing the car's performance.
These engines were a significant part of what made the Elan Plus 2 such a beloved classic, combining lightweight design with spirited performance.
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Performance
The Lotus Elan Plus 2 was known for its impressive performance, especially considering its era and class. Here are some key performance figures for the different versions:
1. **Elan +2 (1967-1969)**:
- **Engine**: 1.6-liter Lotus-Ford Twin Cam
- **Power**: Around 118 horsepower
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 7.9 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 120 mph (193 km/h)
2. **Elan +2S (1969-1971)**:
- **Engine**: Same 1.6-liter Lotus-Ford Twin Cam
- **Power**: Similar to the original +2, with minor improvements in performance due to better tuning and equipment
- **0-60 mph**: Slightly improved, around 7.8 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Similar to the original +2
3. **Elan +2S 130 (1971-1975)**:
- **Engine**: 1.6-liter Lotus-Ford Twin Cam "Big Valve"
- **Power**: Around 126 horsepower
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 7.4 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 125 mph (201 km/h)
These performance figures made the Elan Plus 2 a competitive sports car in its time, known for its excellent handling and driving dynamics. The lightweight construction and responsive engine contributed to its reputation as a driver's car.
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Spares
You can find spares for the 1967-75 Lotus Elan Plus 2 from several specialized suppliers. Here are a few options:
1. **PNM Parts Ltd**: They offer a wide range of replacement parts and upgrades for the Elan Plus 2, including chassis, bodywork, suspension, engine, and more.
2. **SJ Sportscars**: This supplier provides genuine and aftermarket parts for the Lotus Elan Plus 2. You can search for specific parts or browse their extensive catalog.
3. **Kelvedon Lotus Ltd**: They specialize in parts for various Lotus models, including the Elan Plus 2. Their inventory includes engine components, suspension parts, and more.
4. **Esprit Engineering**: They offer a comprehensive selection of spares and parts for the Lotus Elan Plus 2, with an online catalogue linked to the parts book for this model.
5. **Lotus Marques**: This supplier manufactures and sources a wide range of parts for the Lotus Elan Plus 2, including performance parts and twin cam engine components.
These suppliers should have most of the parts you need to keep your classic Elan Plus 2 in top condition.
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Specialists
Finding specialized garage services for a classic car like the Lotus Elan Plus 2 in Northern Ireland can be a bit challenging, but there are a few places you might consider:
1. **Classic Car Services NI**: Located in Belfast, they offer restoration and maintenance services for classic cars, including Lotus models.
2. **Charles Hurst Specialist Cars**: Also in Belfast, they have experience with a range of classic and performance cars and might be able to help with your Elan Plus 2.
3. **Lotus Specialists**: While not specific to Northern Ireland, you might find it useful to contact Lotus specialists in the UK who can recommend trusted garages or even provide mobile services.
It's always a good idea to reach out to local classic car clubs as well. They often have valuable recommendations and connections with reliable mechanics who have experience with vintage Lotus cars.
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Racing
The Lotus Elan Plus 2 was primarily designed as a road car, focusing on providing a blend of performance and comfort for everyday driving. However, it did see some competition use, particularly in club racing and historic racing events. While it wasn't as prominent in racing as some other Lotus models, its lightweight design and agile handling made it a popular choice among privateer racers.
The Elan Plus 2's racing history includes participation in various events, often driven by enthusiasts who appreciated its balance and performance. It wasn't a factory-backed racing car, but its engineering heritage from Lotus, a company renowned for its racing success, meant it was well-suited to competitive driving.
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