Thanks, Carlos.

The +2 that you linked to has indeed not been sold. It is being kept by the owner.

Hello "RoadDad",
I recommend patience and one will come your way. A decent driver needing some work can be had for around six to nine grand, more for restored. Where are you in the U.S.? I've got a stock '69 +2 (not for sale) and would be happy to appraise any for sale for you if it's near me. They are kind of rare, not many built compared to most cars so not all that many come up for sale, but worth the wait.
Eric

Chassis Chassis Chassis particularly the front shocker towers. If it hasn't been replaced with a galvanised chassis, it will need it.
The electrics are pretty flakey - check EVERYTHING works.

Is it a five speed gearbox? - 1973's could be. Five speeds are slow and awkward to change - most prefer the 4 speeds or change it for a Ford T9 5 speed box or similar which is brilliant.

Above all they are great cars to drive and to work on. Good luck

Sea and Moor,

You may prefer the 4 speed but my 5 speed is neither slow or awkward to change.

Cheers,

Ian.

Hi Ian,
Well I'm pleased someone appears to be fortunate but the OP asked for some general advice/opinions and I don't think anyone would strongly disagree that the 4 speed is way slicker and more durable than the Maxi box, after all it is the reason why so many owners swap the old 5 speed for something a lot better.

I was one of them because I just wanted something that was a joy to drive and give some stick to rather being a purist and searching for rare parts for frequent rebuilds.
Horses for courses but the knackers yard for my 5sp I'm afraid.

I often hear how much better the 4 speed is but all i can say is that my 5 speed is very good,plus i have the obvious benefits of the extra gear..maybe the 5 speeds you have had havnt been in the best of condition? Anyway iv said my piece and im not going to fall out with a fellow enthusiast so have a great christmas and roll on the spring..

Cheers,

Ian.

Just to get back to the original point...RoadDad have you found any help here? What can we do to support your oncoming disease and welcome you into the relationship with one of the most captivating devices this side of a woman.

Come to think of it, not a bad analogy: Frustrating yet captivating, joyfully engaging yet demanding, expensive to maintain yet worth it every time we go for a ride. Oh boy I'd better stop before I get in trouble


Anyway, I hope your Christmas wish for an Elan is filled

Turrets prone to collapse after 40 years?

Paddy

sagging rear end???

One of the quickest checks for the condition of the body and dodgy repairs is to run your hands around the inside of the wheelarch "lips"/edges. On my car it was more filler than fibreglass.

David