Lotus Elan +2S

Overview
Produced: 1968-1971, 3000 produced. (production figure includes +2S 130 models)
Types: Coupe

Lotus launched a legend in 1962, the Lotus Elan. Following on from the previous Elite model the new Elan offered improved handling, performance and had a less fragile feel to its overall design. Below the Elan bonnet sat a twin-cam four cylinder engine which would become a legend in its own right, powering other classic Lotus models including the Cortina sports-saloons.

Initially the Elan came as an open two seater, from 1964 a fixed head coupe was also available, both bodies being constructed from GRP and mounted on a separate chassis. In 1967 a new Elan 2+2 joined the range which offered more comfort in a classic GT format. Both models continued to sell well throughout the late-60's with various model changes (including the Elan Sprint and 2+2 130) and more powerful engines.

Buyers Guide Lotus Elan 1962 - 1973 featured in Practical Classics November 2005– available from our sister site Bookbase. Click here to view.

Source: Motorbase
Engines
CapacityConfigModelBore/StrokeCR
1558ccS4 DOHCLotus (Ford) Twin-cam 1.682.55mm x 72.746mm9.5
Drivetrain and Suspension
DrivetrainSteeringFront SuspensionRear Suspension
Performance
Top Speed0-60SQMMPGEngine PwrComment
118 mph8.9 s27 mpg118 bhp 6250
Brakes
FrontRearComment
DiscDisc
Auction Sales History
Lot
Num
Description Auctioneer Date Hammer Price Hammer Price
(inc premium)
266 1970 Lotus Elan Plus 2 S Coys 24 Jun 2006 £5176.00 -
084 Lotus Elan +2S (1970) H&H Sales Limited 9 Apr 2003 - £3225.00
011 Lotus Elan +2S (1969) H&H Sales Limited 26 Sep 2001 £5200.00 -
057 Lotus Elan S2 (1994) BCA 21 May 2001 - £15622.00
044 Lotus Elan S2 (1994) BCA 26 Mar 2001 Not sold
016 Lotus Elan +2S (1969) BCA 29 Jan 2001 Not sold
020 Lotus Elan +2S (1969) BCA 9 Oct 2000 Not sold
900 Lotus Seven SII Sports (1961) Brooks 23 Jun 2000 - £9660.00
084 Lotus Elan +2S (1971) BCA 12 Jun 2000 - £6152.00
041 Lotus Elan +2S (1970) ADT 16 Dec 1996 - £6930.00
052 Lotus-Cortina MK (1969) H&H Sales Limited 27 Nov 1996 £2750.00 -
074 Lotus Elan +2S (1969) ADT 22 Apr 1996 - £7350.00
008 Lotus-Cortina MKII (1969) H&H Sales Limited 20 Apr 1995 £2200.00 -
Books
Magazine Articles
Title Pages Options
Article Buying Guide - 1967-74 - Lotus Elan Plus 2
104 View
Publication Classic Cars June 2011
Buying Guide - 1967-74 - Lotus Elan Plus 2 - Designed as a family-friendly alternative to the Elan roadster, the Plus 2 is a stunning and usable classic - but prices look set to rise.
Article Buyer - Lotus Elan (1962-1973)
112 View
Publication Practical Classics November 2005
Buyer - Fall in love with a Lotus Elan - Buy wisely and motoring nirvana will be yours.  Make a bad call and you could end up in a money pit.
Article Buying Guide - 1963-1974 Lotus Elan
98 View
Publication Classic Cars March 2005
Buying Guide - 1963-1974 Lotus Elan - It’s 41 years since Lotus introduced the legendary Elan and few cars have since matched its driving appeal.  Your quest for motoring nirvana starts here.
Article Classic Cars December 2001 pg 64
64 View
Publication Classic Cars December 2001
Giant Lotus handling test. Lotus has always made an art form out of building fine-handling cars. We put the best to the ultimate track test.
Article Side by Side. Classics with modern engines
30 View
Publication Practical Classics August 2001
Side by Side. Classics with modern engines. Heart Transplant. Does a modern engine improve a classic, or simply destroy its character? With a diverse selection, David Lillywhite finds out.  Lotus Elan Plus 2, Land Rover Series IIA, Escort MKI, MGA, Minor.
Article Classic Cars February 2000 pg 140
140 View
Publication Classic Cars February 2000
Buying Guide. Lotus Elan. Same name, different animal. The late-Eighties Elan, with front-wheel drive and Japanese engine, was a break from the past that eventually appeased the most fervent Lotusphiles. Invest now in its peerless speed, handling and reliability.
Article Buyers Guide - Lotus Elan
118 View
Publication Practical Classics December 1998
Buyers Guide - Lotus Elan - Mark Dixon gets some expert advice on why all Elans are good, but some are better value than others.
Article Class of 62
54 View
Publication Octane April 2012
Class of 62 - It's 50 years since the launch of the Selby Cobra, MGB, Lotus Elan and Ferrari 250GTO.  Happy birthday, legends all.
Article Buyer's Guide - Lotus Elan
24 View
Publication Classic Car Weekly 15 February 2012
Buyer's Guide - Lotus Elan - The original '60s Elan still has the power to thrill, says JAMES TAYLOR.
Article Buying Power - Lotus Elan
28 View
Publication Classic Car Weekly 23 November 2006
Buying Power - Lotus Elan - Lots of Trouble, Usually Serious? Forget the dodgy play on words and boring old jokes, it doesn't have to be that way.  JAMES PEENE takes a look at the Elan and tells you all you need to know to find a good one and avoid the duds.
Article Classic & Sports Car November 2003 pg 160
160 View
Publication Classic & Sports Car November 2003
Our Classics - Journalists offer views and updates on their cars
Article Classic & Sports Car April 2003 pg 99
99 View
Publication Classic & Sports Car April 2003
10 Great £10k Sports Cars. What we'd buy with the money - and what top motor people would take home as personal choices. Lotus Elan SE.
Article Classics October 2002 pg 30
30 View
Publication Classics October 2002
Kings of the Twins. Alfa Romeo's 2000GTV and Lotus' Elan Sprint are powered by two of the all time great twin-cam engines. Peter Knivett compares them.
Article Torque and cheese
118 View
Publication Classic & Sports Car June 2002
Torque and cheese - Lotus vs Lotus - Julian Balme tries the Lotus reposition, replacing the Elan + 2S witht the radical, F1-inspired Elite.
Article Classic & Sports Car November 2001 pg 114
114 View
Publication Classic & Sports Car November 2001
Dash of Elan. Long heralded as the lightweight champion, will a tough field show the Lotus is donning the emperor's latest togs?
Article Classic & Sports Car June 2001 pg 122
122 View
Publication Classic & Sports Car June 2001
Sports Car Bonanza - Coming classics head-to-head in essential group test: Barchetta, Elan, MGF, MX-5 and S2. We pick a sub-£10k winner.
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