Launched in 1966 and based on the highly successful Elan sports car, the '+2' version retained the former's independently-suspended backbone chassis but came with a wheelbase lengthened by 12 inches to make room for two occasional rear seats. 

Aimed at the sports car enthusiast with a young family, the Elan +2 represented a move up market by Lotus and featured an improved interior with a walnut veneer dashboard, electric windows and radio as standard equipment. 

The 1,558cc twin-cam engine was that of the Elan SE, and with 126bhp on tap the aerodynamically efficient '+2' was good for nearly 120mph.  It wasn't just the rapid performance that boosted Lotus's image but the fact that this model was the first that Lotus chose not to supply in kit form.

First registered in March 1968 the history of the Elan can be traced back through the history file which is satisfactorily thick.  Probably the most pertinent period is around 2005 to 2006 when it was the subject of a major restoration by “a very experienced engineer”.  He must have been good because the current condition still bears testament to the quality of his work.  

The Elan was stripped back to a bare shell, and the meticulously reassembled using new parts where required, and incorporating a few upgrades to enhance the driving experience.  A new chassis was used, along with all new running gear and brakes, a rebuilt engine and gearbox, and a replacement interior. According to the MoT history at the time the restoration commenced the Elan had covered approximately 17,000 miles.  

The speedometer was replaced with a used item which accounts for a jump in the mileages recorded on the MoT certificates from 2008 to 2009, from 17,000 to 86,000.  The mileage is currently just under 90,000 so we can show it has covered less than 5,000 miles since the restoration was completed.  

More recently, having been dry stored for some time, the Elan has recently been comprehensively recommissioned with many replacement parts and is now running and driving beautifully.

As mentioned the history file is quite comprehensive, especially since the restoration in 2006.  There are lots of old MoTs and plenty of bills in the file showing continuous maintenance by previous owners.  The most important is the receipt for the new Spyder chassis and wishbones from 2002 at a cost of £2,400, followed by numerous invoices for all the parts replaced in the restoration.  

There is a photo album of images from the restoration, documenting all aspects from start to finish.  Having spent some time unused the Elan has recently been to a respected Ferrari specialist to be recommissioned with itemised invoice on file for over £5,000, plus a further invoice for £1,300 of parts.   

On the inside the Elan is in pretty tidy condition, with a little wear here and there but nothing that would hamper enjoyment.  The black seats are said to be from a later 130S and are in good condition.  The blue carpets and matching door cards are new, and all are clean and presentable.  The white roof lining is clean and taught, and adds to the airy feel of the interior.  

The walnut dash shows a little wear around the switchgear and there is a crack across the glove box door, but all this looks fine in a car of this age.  There is a period Philips radio fitted which, according to the history folder, has been converted to FM and has an Aux input socket for SatNav etc, plus an electric aerial.  There is also a power socket added inside the ashtray.

Looking though the history file it appears that the Elan may have been painted orange at some stage, whether from new is unknown.  At the time of restoration it appears to have been blue with a silver roof.  We think the decision to paint it Light Blue Metallic during its restoration was a good one as it is an attractive colour and looks the business. 

The overall paint finish is very good with no cracks or starring in the fibreglass, and only the odd nick and chip.  The panel fit is good and the shut lines are pretty consistent.  The chrome work and lenses are all equally smart, having been replaced during the restoration. The pop-up headlights operate correctly.  

The last owner has added a few period reproduction stickers for Le Mans and a Lotus dealer in Sunbury on Thames which add to the look.  The Elan sits on as new 14 inch Minilites, with knock off centres, all of which are in excellent condition and have lightly worn Yokohama tyres.  The spare tyre in the boot is an unused Dunlop Sport.

The car drove well on the day we visited to get the photographs.  Bear in mind that a complete rebuild of both the engine and 4 speed gearbox, plus a new chassis and drivetrain was all carried out relatively recently, and the car has been driven less than 5,000 miles since.  

Having spent a short spell unused, the Elan was recommissioned and thoroughly serviced with many new parts including a new master cylinder and suspension bushes.  

The Mikuni motorcycle carbs were removed and the original rebuilt Webers were reinstalled and tuned. Underneath all is nice and tidy with no evidence of fluid leaks.  The exhaust is a stainless steel item, and the replacement Spyder chassis still looks new.  Under the bonnet, again everything looks right, with smart cables and hoses and nothing untoward.   

You can tell from the photos there are few +2 Elans that are as striking as this example.  Add to the mix the £1000s spent on recommissioning work carried out in 2021, plus the many £1000s spent on the comprehensive restoration just 5,000 miles ago, and it becomes a highly attractive proposition.  

We don’t think there are many as nice as this one around, so now’s your chance!