Lotus Elan +2S - 1972

The Lotus Elan is as much known for its racing exploits, for the fearsome 26R versions, as for its presence in the cult series ‘Bowler Hat and Leather Boots’ in which the lead actress Emma Peel, played by Diana Rigg, drives an S2 and then an S3 version.

Unveiled at the 1962 London Motor Show, the Lotus Elan was worthy of the philosophy of brand founder Colin Chapman: ‘Light is right’. It was light, but also agile and sporty, with the inimitable charm of British roadsters and coupes, starting with its wood-covered dashboard.

After the commercial failure of the Elite Coupé, which sold at only a thousand units, the Elan was to be a real commercial hit for more than ten years, thanks to its unbeatable price/performance ratio.

Initially offered exclusively as a two-seater convertible, the model became available as a coupé three years later in 1965.

In 1967 Lotus launched the Elan+2 Coupé, with its stretched lines providing two extra seats. The aim was to appeal to young fathers who either already owned an Elan or were unable to buy one because of family constraints. Beyond that, it was also meant to attract a new clientele sensitive to improved quality and increased comfort.

Convinced the car would appeal to people who wanted to get from point A to point B as fast as possible, Lotus even offered a package in 1970 name “Total Mobility” which included, for a price lower than that of a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, a Piper Cherokee 140 aircraft with flying lessons called “Fly Lotus”, an Elan +2 car and a Raleigh ‘Executive’ bicycle!

Visually, the Coupe +2 is much larger than the Elan Coupe: 60 cm longer, 26 cm wider and 2 cm higher. The design by Ron Hickman is characterised by its curves and increased aerodynamics with a CX of 0.30, with a front end that hides retractable headlights.

The beam chassis with polyester shell of the coupé was retained, so were the four disc brakes, reinforced by a Girling servo. Finally, the suspension triangles and the rims were wider.

The original mechanics were retained and offered in several variants. Indeed, between 1967 and 1974, no less than three versions were offered:

– The +2 powered by the 1,558cc twin cam, 118bhp and a four speed gearbox derived from the Ford Corsair 2000 E,

– The +2 S, released in March 1969, offered with a more complete equipment, including fog and reversing lights, and a heated rear window.

– The +2S 130 launched in 1971, powered by the Elan Sprint’s “Big valve” twin cam developing 126 bhp. From October 1972 onwards, a 5-speed gearbox was also offered as an option.

Official Lotus factory figures show that 5168 examples of the Coupe +2 were produced between 1967 and 1974.

Just 579 examples of the Lotus Elan +2 were produced in 1972, the year the ANNA LISA Collection left-hand drive Elan +2S was produced.

Still carrying a French registration today, this Lotus, sold in black with a black interior, was first registered on 27 March 1972. From 9 December 1983, the car was then registered in Paris. It was later sold at auction in Paris in December 1989, when its last owner bought it, before it joined our collection three years ago.

We undertook various maintenance works on this car, which had just come out of a long period of dormancy. In June 2020, we undertook the adjustment of the two Weber carburettors and replaced the spark plug wire harness.

A real easy restart will be needed before enjoying it fully.