My 'new' 68 +2, thoughts and comments please....
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 10:13 am
Hi All, I've just joined Elan.Net as I have this weekend purchased a '68 +2 (pictures attached)
I would appreciate any comments, observations or anything interesting really as I am quite keen to collect her next week and get driving. The car appears very well looked after with no body issues whatsoever other than a few stone chips and a hairline crack emanating from the top corner of the headlight surround. The former owner had the car for 12 years and its been comprehensively maintained every November by Paul Matty Sports Cars. Work including a ?10k engine and gearbox rebuild 18 months ago and lots of other work prior including a new carb swap to Dellorto's, headlamp motor conversion, new dash (maintaining the rocker switches which I like), carpets, radio, Kenlowe fan etc. It also had a galvanised chassis (Lotus one) before '07. I am quite keen to keep her looking true to the period visually.
Drives a treat and all the electrics etc. work perfectly!
The only upgrade I was thinking was to install electronic ignition if that's possible but I am open to suggestions on that one.
History before the 90's is missing; it appears to have been off the road until about 1987 when presumably it was renovated and registered. The V5 shows the Year of Manufacture as '68 but as I say not registered till '87. I have looked into this, and it appears if probably has been out of action for a lot of years before '87 then it has to be rebuilt/renovated and re-registered and proven to be of the original manufacture year by way of engine/chassis number dating. Is this correct?
I have had 2 Elise's ('99 and '03) but have always hankered after a classic, so this one is just a year younger than me I am quite excited about. I would also be keen to hear from any NW Elan owner and have also signed up for Club Lotus.
Lots of questions I know, so go easy on me as it's my first classic!
I would appreciate any comments, observations or anything interesting really as I am quite keen to collect her next week and get driving. The car appears very well looked after with no body issues whatsoever other than a few stone chips and a hairline crack emanating from the top corner of the headlight surround. The former owner had the car for 12 years and its been comprehensively maintained every November by Paul Matty Sports Cars. Work including a ?10k engine and gearbox rebuild 18 months ago and lots of other work prior including a new carb swap to Dellorto's, headlamp motor conversion, new dash (maintaining the rocker switches which I like), carpets, radio, Kenlowe fan etc. It also had a galvanised chassis (Lotus one) before '07. I am quite keen to keep her looking true to the period visually.
Drives a treat and all the electrics etc. work perfectly!
The only upgrade I was thinking was to install electronic ignition if that's possible but I am open to suggestions on that one.
History before the 90's is missing; it appears to have been off the road until about 1987 when presumably it was renovated and registered. The V5 shows the Year of Manufacture as '68 but as I say not registered till '87. I have looked into this, and it appears if probably has been out of action for a lot of years before '87 then it has to be rebuilt/renovated and re-registered and proven to be of the original manufacture year by way of engine/chassis number dating. Is this correct?
I have had 2 Elise's ('99 and '03) but have always hankered after a classic, so this one is just a year younger than me I am quite excited about. I would also be keen to hear from any NW Elan owner and have also signed up for Club Lotus.
Lots of questions I know, so go easy on me as it's my first classic!