Lot 208: 1973/2006 Lotus Elan +2 Spyder Zetec Coupé

Rebuilt between May and December of 2006, this Lotus Elan +2 incorporates a full chassis/engine/transmission upgrade by Spyder Engineering. The ‘+2’ version of the highly successful Elan was launched in 1966 and came with a wheelbase lengthened by 12" to accommodate two occasional rear seats. Aimed at the sports car enthusiast with a young family, the model represented a move up market by Lotus and featured an improved interior with a walnut-veneered dashboard, electric windows, radio and an alarm. The 1,558cc Ford-based twin-cam engine was that of the Elan SE, and with 118bhp on tap the +2 was good for nearly 120mph.
Although blessed with timeless looks and wonderful handling, the Elan +2 has a drive-train that by modern standards is somewhat outdated. Responding to demands from enthusiasts wishing to enjoy these classic sports cars without having to endure the foibles of yesterday’s technology, Spyder Engineering, of Peterborough has developed a complete chassis and drive-train package to enable Lotus owners to build a car that retains all the character of the original yet is more reliable and a better performer.
Spyder's replacement chassis is similar to the original: a powder-coated steel backbone unit that is a direct replacement for the Lotus item, requiring no body modifications to fit. Running gear is up-rated to include a mix of Escort RS Turbo/Sierra (injection-model) discs and calipers, Sierra hubs, Spyder’s own hub carriers, and lower wishbones at the rear, the latter being a feature the original lacked. Power comes from Ford's ubiquitous Zetec 2.0-litre 16-valve engine - adapted for rear-wheel drive installation - while the five-speed gearbox is an MT75 unit from the Granada Scorpio, which also provides the limited-slip differential. The use of Ford components means that spares are relatively cheap and widely available, and Spyder builds all its cars with Jenvey throttle bodies and Emerald ECUs,
In addition to a new chassis, engine and Spyder’s other mechanical upgrades, this Elan +2 benefits from a new dashboard and instruments, reconditioned transmission, re-trimmed interior and rewired electrics, while the ECU has been mapped on Emerald’s own rolling road dynamometer. Presented in excellent mechanical condition, the car is offered with rebuild invoices, current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5 registration document.