1973 Lotus Elan +2 S130

Purchased in 2004 by the current vendor this Lotus Elan has been meticulously looked after without any expense being spared. It has been and still is admired and loved, not only by the owner but by those whole also have a great appreciation for classic British sports cars. 

Where possible, the vendor took the car out to shows, events and village fairs where others could appreciate the car, and was even used to drop the vendor's great granddaughter to her prom. It drew the crowds in, from older enthusiasts to young new petrolheads who were keen to talk to and learn about the car. 

We are informed that the car was only used when the weather was at it’s finest, a rare commodity in the UK. When not in use, the Lotus has been stored in a secure, dry garage and protected by a custom fitted car cover. This is apparent from the low miles that the car has, and the fantastic condition that it remains in to this day. 

There are many pages of accompanying paperwork that supports that the car was loved, with no expense being spared from Lotus specialist, Hilton and Moss. Within this paperwork is also the V5C. 

The exterior of this Lotus Elan has held up exceptionally well over its 51 year life and this is because the owner has been incredibly meticulous in ensuring that it stays as well kept as possible. 

The bodywork is in exceptional condition with all panels and gaps aligning as Lotus intended them to. The doors shut well as do the bonnet and bootlid. This is worth noting as these cars were constructed using fibreglass so over time they can become susceptible to sagging. 

The car at some stage in its lifetime has benefitted from a full respray and whilst the paintwork does look incredibly glossy and features a deep shine, there are some notable blisters to be aware of around various panels on the car. With that being said, the two tone paint scheme is reminiscent of a far gone time and does look fantastic.

The chrome work around the Lotus is in good condition. There are few signs of pitting that we could see and generally speaking it presents well, given the age of the vehicle. The light lenses and badges around the Elan are inline with the rest of the body work. 

Upon opening the doors of the Lotus you are greeted with a simple, yet well presented cabin that is made up of some fine materials. Whilst we cannot comment on the originality of these materials, we can certainly tell you that it looks wonderful.

Much like the exterior, the interior of the Lotus is presented in remarkable shape. The upholstery throughout the cabin is free from cracks, sagging or any other signs of wear that we could see, even in the usual high traffic areas such as the outer bolsters on the driver and passenger seat. This also extends to the dashboard, steering wheel, central column and door cards all of which can only described as in pristine condition. The rear seats, as you would expect, are in virtually untouched condition and we would assume this is the case, given the distinct lack of any usable rear space the Elan offers.

The wood veneer on the facia of the dashboard is untarnished and presents in an excellent manner. There are some very slight signs of patina around the chrome bezels that surround the instruments, but in our opinion this simply reminds you that you’re in the cabin of a vehicle produced in the early 70s. That being said, the instruments and switches that are housed within the dashboard still wear their original labelling which is just as clear as the day it rolled out of the factory at Hethel. The carpet throughout the Lotus is in great shape and we saw no signs of it going threadbare.

We are informed that all of the electrical components are working as intended. 

From looking over the engine bay everything appears to be in good order, with no signs of any leaks. First turn of the key and the Lotus bursts into life without hesitation. The engine idles beautifully and we heard no unusual noises and saw no blue or white smoke coming from the exhaust. We are informed that the gearbox selects gears with ease and that there is no crunching or grinding when selecting any of the gears. The owner of this Lotus states that it is a real pleasure to drive on the road.

The vendor tells us that all other key components, such as the gearbox and brakes, are in fine working condition. The Lotus did recently receive a full health check from a local independent classic car and Lotus specialist, Hilton and Moss, who commended the car for being in such beautiful condition, both visually and mechanically. 

Underneath, the Lotus is very clean indeed. There are no signs of any rust that we could see on the vehicle and it is looking extremely tidy for its age. We are informed that the vehicle has only seen use of the road when the conditions are optimum, ensuring that it stays clean and free from road grime such as salt. 

The car comes with some history but not much. The V5C is present and there is some paperwork that documents mechanical work that has been completed. It is apparent when viewing this paperwork that the previous owner has not spared any expense in ensuring that this vehicle is kept in fine condition with a handful of invoices totalling over £1,000 in expenditure. 

The Lotus Elan 2S 130 has left a significant mark on the automotive world, influencing subsequent generations of sports cars. Its lightweight construction and exceptional driving characteristics have inspired countless enthusiasts and have cemented its status as a classic icon. 

With regards to this particular example, it’s one that has been enjoyed, cherished and maintained to an exceptional standard. It’s not concours but it’s a very honest example that wants nothing other than continued love and care. If you’re in the market for a classic British sports car, then you should look no further. 

We estimate that this car will sell for £16,000-£20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the seller in Haverhill, Suffolk. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.