1973 Lotus Elan +2 JPS 130 5-speed Special Edition
***Vendor supplied images***
HIGHLIGHTS
Original JPS restored some time ago
Certificate of provenance
Rebuilt onto galvanised Spyder chassis
Well-preserved interior
THE APPEAL
The original Lotus Elan was a fantastic car, but for many it was just a little bit too small. The Elan + 2 was Lotus’s attempt at making it more practical, though it is a Lotus, so such things are relative. There are two rear seats, but they’re for small people. Lots more luggage room is a big plus, though, and then there’s the coupé styling.
This example began life as one of the rarest +2s known – a JPS special edition, which would have originally left the factory in the John Player Special livery of black with gold leaf detailing. The company was Lotus’s F1 sponsor at the time and the colour scheme prominent.
It was changed to its current blue colour at the same time it was rebuilt onto a Spyder galvanized chassis. Being a "John Player Special" edition, as well as featuring the "Big Valve" 130bhp engine and 5-speed gearbox, makes this a very highly specified vehicle.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
Some older invoices and past MOT certificates
Lotus Certificate of Authenticity confirming that it is number 88 of 115 JPS models built, and was black when it left the factory
Last owner for over 20 years
THE INTERIOR
Smart black bucket seats
Wood veneers
Three-spoke leather sports wheel with Lotus centre boss
Sporty eight-dial dash
Period Philips push-button MW/LW radio
Electric windows
Genuine chrome-finish passenger map reading light
THE EXTERIOR
Smart metallic blue – a genuine period Lotus colour
Alloy wheels
Older restoration now showing plenty of patina / character including microblisters, paint chipping, pitting, etc
All chrome and original trim appears present
Galvanised Spyder chassis
THE MECHANICS
1,558cc-litre ‘Big Valve’ four
130bhp
Five-speed manual
Starts and runs well
The car starts and drives with no obvious faults being evident other than those noted however this vehicle is being auctioned as needing a good going over before any use as there may be faults which are not noted
SUMMARY
It may not look as it did when it left the Norfolk factory in 1973, but this is nevertheless a genuine JPS Elan +2. Preparation and paint back to it's original black and gold livery would improve the finish of the vehicle while making it instantly recognisable as the very rare model that it is. There’s a certificate of authenticity and a letter from Lotus to back up the JPS claims and these special editions promise to become an even more highly collectable examples in the future. Or, just enjoy it for what it is, which is generally presentable from a distance and a highly specified Elan +2 with plenty of patina and character – an interesting and increasingly desirable model that enthusiasts are starting to take notice of.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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1973 Lotus Elan +2 JPS 130 5-speed Special Edition
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