Sold 1969 Lotus Elan +2 2146368415 Tweet

Following in the wheel tracks of the radical Elite Lotus equally brilliant Elan proved to be Colin Chapmans most successful venture to date. The Elite made headlines with its highly advanced fiberglass semi-monocoque body with a steel backbone chassis that gave it superb handling in a featherweight package. While the Elite was highly regarded for its deft handling and brisk performance it suffered from quality control issues and a high price which hampered sales. The Elan addressed many of the Elites quality issues and the costs were kept low by replacing the costly Climax engine with a Ford-based four-cylinder topped by a twin-cam head. Lotus retained the rigid and light backbone chassis to ensure precise balanced handling. The Lotus Elan proved to be a massive success and Lotus production was booming throughout the 1960s and into the 70s. Very early into the Elans development Colin Chapman ordered the addition of a family mans Lotus to the lineup returning nearly the same performance as the Elan but with more luxury sophistication and a bit of extra space for children or luggage. Chapman asked for a car with the front of an Elan and the rear of an Elite so designers stretched the Elans chassis and revised the styling to better suit the longer wheelbase. The result was the Elan +2 introduced in 1967.Despite the brief for a more luxurious Elan the +2 continued with Lotus ethos of simplify add lightness and even with the additional 7 inches of length added to the chassis the bigger car exhibited superior stability in cornering and at speed. Throughout production the +2 was continually fettled by the factory with the renamed Plus 2S arriving in March of 1969 with larger carbs and a host of other refinements. The plucky little Lotus was a direct competitor with the Porsche 911 the Jaguar E-Type 2+2 and the newcomer Datsun 240Z. Despite its comparatively tiny displacement and horsepower deficit the Elan came in at just 1975 pounds thats nearly 400 pounds lighter than a 911E and a whopping 1300 pounds shy of an E-type 2+2! The Elan shines when the road gets bendy proving that horsepower isnt everything for a truly great drivers car.Finished in a period appropriate shade of Jaguar willow green over a freshly restored blue leather cabin this 1969 Elan +2 is an appealing and usable example of Colin Chapmans remarkably capable Grand Tourer. It is the subject of a good quality cosmetic restoration exhibiting attractive paintwork excellent chrome and factory-appropriate panel fit of the fiberglass body. On close inspection some minor paint imperfections are visible yet the car has a consistent overall finish quality. The clean and uncluttered exterior is finished with a set of period-correct Minilite center-lock alloy wheels fitted with appropriately vintage-looking Vredestein tires.Under most recent ownership the four-seat cabin was fully restored using distinctive cornflower blue leather upholstery with matching carpet and a custom Alcantara headliner. The trim is beautifully finished with supple high-quality materials and excellent detailing. In addition the wood dash is restored with a high-gloss finish and fitted with the correct instruments and switchgear. The thin-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is a delight to hold transmitting the Elans precise almost telepathic steering feel directly to your hands.Despite its relatively small capacity the Ford-based 1558cc Lotus Twin Cam four packs a healthy punch giving the feather-light Elan +2 impressive performance. It breathes through a pair of Weber 40 DCOE carburetors features a tubular exhaust header and sends power rearward via a four-speed manual gearbox.As with most Lotus cars detailed production records are unavailable though experts estimated that of the approximately 5200 +2s produced fewer than 1200 remain. This rare and appealing Elan +2 is a charming example of the breed and a ready willing partner for dancing along your favorite ribbons of tarmac.Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7317-1969-lotus-elan-2-coupe/