Lotus Elan +2

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Lotus launched a legend in 1962, the Lotus Elan. Following on from the previous Elite model, the new Elan offered improved handling and performance and had a less fragile feel to its overall design.

It was the first Lotus road car to use the now famous steel backbone chassis with a fibreglass body. At 1,500lb all up, the Elan embodied the Colin Chapman 'less is more' design philosophy, paring weight to a minimum in a quest for the ultimate driving experience. Powered by a 1.6 Lotus-Ford twin-cam and equipped with all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, the Elan could sprint to 60mph in 7.8 seconds and hit 122mph flat out.

Initially the Elan came as an open two-seater but from 1964 a fixed-head coupe was also available, and in 1967 a new Elan 2+2 joined the range which offered more comfort in a classic GT format. Light, powerful and with sensational handling, it proved an immense commercial success for Lotus, slightly fewer than 9,000 Elans of all types being produced by the time production ceased in 1973, of which 3,300 were 2+2 models.

This 1968 +2 has had just two former keepers, according to the V5C, and was purchased by our vendor last year. A former garage proprietor, he was attracted by the good chassis and bodywork and planned to rebuild the car to keep himself amused in his retirement. When acquired the car had no engine but came with a modern Ford Vetec 2.0 twin cam which has had the sump modified to fit the Elan chassis (this being a well-known transplant in Lotus circles). A tubular exhaust manifold/downpipe is also included.

The vendor has renewed all the brakes, fitted new wheels and tyres, tidied up the interior with new carpets and a new walnut dash but has now run out of enthusiasm due to declining health. Aside from lots of elbow grease, the car will now need a new headlining (about £85 from specialists), a suitable gearbox (Cortina MkIV or Sierra, readily available for around £200) and no doubt a few minor items to get it back on the road.

Supplied with a V5C, it also comes with a detailed factory workshop manual, a parts catalogue and a book on the Elan which will assist greatly in finishing the project. Once completed this car will go even better than the original and in the meantime will keep someone gainfully employed over the coming winter months.