Highlights
- “Black Badge” car in tribute to Jim Clark
- Running and driving, having been checked by a motorsport specialist
- Genuine Swedish barn find
- Right-hand drive and original UK registered
- Complete and in good overall condition for its age
The Appeal
The irresistible allure to a ‘barn find’ is a fascinating phenomenon and something that only we car enthusiasts truly understand. Beneath years of dust, decay and goodness knows what else, these vehicles escaped the scrapyard and so, in our eyes, are deserving of a second chance. The most exciting barn finds have got to be sports cars, so this yellow Lotus Elan +2 S has certainly got our attention…
The Lotus began life in the UK and in later years found its way to Sweden after receiving a new coat of paint and a galvanised chassis. It then languished in a barn for sixteen years and it’s at this point the vendor acquired it. Now running and driving, this Elan represents an excellent project opportunity.
The vendor points out that it should be fairly straightforward to register it in a European country or indeed the UK given its history. They add that it should be fairly straightforward to return it to roadworthy condition. Complete and in good overall condition, it’s a compelling project and we’re sure there are many who would be eager to return this Lotus to its former glory.
The vendor points out that it should be fairly straightforward to register it in a European country or indeed the UK given its history. They add that it should be fairly straightforward to return it to roadworthy condition. Complete and in good overall condition, it’s a compelling project and we’re sure there are many who would be eager to return this Lotus to its former glory.
The History and Paperwork
- Right-hand drive UK car
- “Black Badge” cars that paid tribute to Jim Clark following his death
- Later exported to Sweden
- Languished in a Swedish barn for sixteen years before it was acquired by the vendor
- Not currently registered, although the vendor suggests it should be fairly straightforward to register it in a European country or re-register it in the UK
- Offered as a running and driving restoration project
- Swedish registration certificates and export paperwork present
The Interior
- Mostly complete and in reasonably good condition
- Besides the driver’s seat, which has been swapped out for a more comfortable high-backed item, the seats are the original items
- The vendor reports that the previous owner has promised to supply the original driver’s seat to them
- Overall, the seats present well without too much wear and they would certainly respond well to a deep clean
- The headlining and carpets exhibit some marks and wear, but are in fair condition
- Some varnish cracking on the veneered dashboard fascia
- All the controls and instrumentation present well
- A great starting point for restoration / improvement
The Exterior
- The GRP bodywork looks to have survived well and doesn’t appear to have any obvious structural damage
- The yellow paintwork has now cracked in places, creating a patina we rather enjoy
- The car was reportedly repainted at the same time that the galvanised chassis was installed
- The chrome trims are mostly in good shape for their age, with only slight pitting in places and some rust to the rear bumper
- Al, the gl;ass and light lenses seem in good order
- The wheels present well although the tyres are very old and in need of replacement
- We’ve not been able to assess the condition of the galvanised chassis although it should have survived well
The Mechanics
- 1.6-litre Lotus twin-cam
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Inspected by a motorsport specialist who found the engine to have good compression and oil pressure
- Runs well, with just some slight ticking from number two cylinder which has been diagnosed as a cam follower cup or shims
- Said to drive well on brief test drives, with no issues apparent with the seller only saying "The car drives, but the new brakes and lines need the joints tightening as it hasn't been driven since the brake lines and cylinders were replaced"
Summary
For those seeking a project, this Elan +2 S has a lot to offer. Up and together with an original lotus twin-cam in running order, it’s got great potential and we're sure it will be back on the road very soon.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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