One of my favorite automotive shapes of all time is the Lotus Elan +2. Most folks prefer the regular Elan, which is a convertible, but I love the lithe shape of the coupe. This beautiful example can be found in Gladstone, New Jersey and is listed for sale here on eBay, with bidding currently at $12,400. The reserve wasn’t met yet at that figure.
Just look at how sleek and pretty the shape is! The +2 was born by extended the regular Elan to add some small seats in the back. This particular example has had a new frame fitted (rust is a common problem with Elan frames) and also has a rebuilt Cosworth BDR engine — quite a bit more power than stock.
No Lotus twin cam here. This engine should deliver around 160-170 horsepower after reading about them, which in a car that only weighs 1,960 pounds means it should fly. The standard engine, by the way, is rated at 120 horsepower.
As you can see, the interior, while snug, is also both sporty and luxurious in a very British way. While this car has been individualized a bit, apparently the prior owner thinks the same way I do. As the ad of few words says, “everything works as it should.” It sure works for me–how about you?
The Elan came as a couple also, BTW.
Did you mean coupe?
Auto complete is my worst enema.
A two seater Fixed Head Coupe. Kinda, sorta looks like a standard Elan with a hardtop added only better.
I had a 1970 Lotus Europa in the 70’s. It changed my life. I saw myself as a poor man’s exotic car owner. I drove it fast around corners and rotaries and it stuck to the road like glue. At the time nothing could keep up with it in the turns. Fact is the Europa was a “Colin Chapman kit car” of sorts but on the other hand it was a Lotus. It was designed with Colin’s genius and insight as to what makes a car go fast around corners…….basically, light car, mid engine, and low to the ground…..did I say low to the ground yet? Miss that car.
I walked by a Europa parked in a driveway 2 blocks from my house, going to and from school every day of grades 3 and 4. This was in the mid 1970’s. BRG with black interior. Nice car.
Beautiful!
Also comes as a variant ‘S’ with big block 150hp spec, five speed box and contrasting metal paint roof.
I have owned my 1969 Europa for over 25 Years and I never plan on selling it. I fit and it is such a blast to drive. As for this car. It looks good in photos but better in person. It is an easier fit for most people then even the regular Elan.
This is a grossly undervalued car in many ways. Parts including most body parts are available if you can wait for shipment but most of the parts you will need for regular use are easy and plentiful if you know where to look. If you ever wanted to restore a car this is one of the best to start on. Up date the wiring loom, but keep it simple because that is the magic of the early Lotus cars. Simple, light, fast enough but with comfort and handling that would amaze.
This car and my Europa have almost exactly the same performance and off the line not so much but if you hit curves you would be surprised the performance. There is a road in South Kansas City called Blue River road and it wiggles like a snake. I saw one of these being chased by a number of american muscle cars one afternoon. I was easy to see none of them could even hold a candle to this car. If the few moments I saw the chase the Lotus gained a minimum of 20 feet on the pack of mustangs, cameros, a Chevelle, and a jaguar eke which should have done better.
Lotus are not for everybody. They take true care and time for maintenance on a constant basis. Generally it is small things but if you do it you will have a reliable car that brings a smile almost always. That is why I have kept my Europa for over 25 Years and plan to keep it far into the future until they take it away from me.
I have owned my 1969 Europa for over 25 Years and I never plan on selling it. I fit and it is such a blast to drive. As for this car. It looks good in photos but better in person. It is an easier fit for most people then even the regular Elan.
This is a grossly undervalued car in many ways. Parts including most body parts are available if you can wait for shipment but most of the parts you will need for regular use are easy and plentiful if you know where to look. If you ever wanted to restore a car this is one of the best to start on. Up date the wiring loom, but keep it simple because that is the magic of the early Lotus cars. Simple, light, fast enough but with comfort and handling that would amaze.
This car and my Europa have almost exactly the same performance and off the line not so much but if you hit curves you would be surprised the performance. There is a road in South Kansas City called Blue River road and it wiggles like a snake. I saw one of these being chased by a number of american muscle cars one afternoon. I was easy to see none of them could even hold a candle to this car. If the few moments I saw the chase the Lotus gained a minimum of 20 feet on the pack of mustangs, cameros, a Chevelle, and a jaguar eke which should have done better.
Lotus are not for everybody. They take true care and time for maintenance on a constant basis. Generally it is small things but if you do it you will have a reliable car that brings a smile almost always. That is why I have kept my Europa for over 25 Years and plan to keep it far into the future until they take it away from me.
Just take care of it
@Geoff Bott Nice +2.
Interested in selling?