Lotus Elan +2

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.

Below the bonnet sat an engine that would become a legend in its own right, the Lotus-Ford twin-cam with a Cosworth alloy head which went on to power other classic Lotus models including the Cortina sports saloons. 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 being produced by the time production ceased in 1973, of which around half were 2+2 models.

Dating from July 1970, this particular +2 looks most appealing in white with a black interior. Looking very clean and tidy all round it has excellent panel fit and a very well preserved interior. A new galvanised chassis was also fitted some years ago (there is no invoice for this but a ramp inspection revealed that it has indeed been fitted).

The car comes with a fair amount of history showing recent upkeep including a £2,000 bill from Paul Matty Lotus for a top-end rebuild and a brake overhaul in March 2010 when the indicated mileage was a whisker over 36,000 – a total which has now only risen to some 36,650 (although this cannot be warranted as the genuine mileage from new, old MOTs extending back only to 2001 at 31,900 miles).

Said to drive beautifully with strong performance, good brakes and go-kart handling, it is taxed until May next year, MOTd until next August and is ready to drive away today.

Please note this car was subject to a Category C insurance claim in August 1997 but has since been professionally repaired.