Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Which is more desirable an early elsn+2 or a +2s am almost ready to add one to go with my s2 elise I know +2s is a better interior and big valve engine but is it a huge difference between the to engines and the driveabilty of a 4 spread vers 5 speed any advise thanks lads

Hi,

Whereabouts in Ireland are you? I?m in Wicklow. There are quite a few +2 Elans in Ireland. I believe it was because they were considered family saloons so had a lower insurance premium than the Elan!

Later ones were mostly (if not all?) were factory built. Early ones up ?til the +2S (again, I believe) could be built up from a kit.

Usual rules apply. Buy a good one (from an enthusiast) and you?ll have a good time.

Regards,

[quote="Bombay Racing Green"]Hi,

Whereabouts in Ireland are you? I?m in Wicklow. There are quite a few +2 Elans in Ireland. I believe it was because they were considered family saloons so had a lower insurance premium than the Elan!

Any Elans in County Mayo ? We have a house near Belmullett (occasionally it is not raining when we are there !!)

Living in co meath always taught they a superb looking car seen one in London for sale a 68 +2 four speed they said had replacement lotus chassis at sometime just been recommissioned or dose that mean just get starting and stopping to get it sold its looks fairly original underneath still on rubber drives 14995 sterling never see them come up for sale in ireland really

I've read in many places that the +2S 130/5's are the most sought after, but I'm not sure why. I prefer the early ones with the more basic interior and the nice toggle switches on the dash - though a 5 speed would be nice!

The one in the best condition for a reasonable amount of money would be my pick

Why a +2 S130/5 is sought after? At a guess:

• Less old (unlikely to make much difference)
• Better appointed interior, more dials
• More powerful engine - faster
• 5 speed box for cruising, keeps up with motorway traffic easily and quietly
• Fog / spot lights fitted
• Most people think they are "sought after" so it tends to become a sort of self fulfilling prophesy

The five speed box isn't without its problems, mind. And the wiring loom had all of its relays cut out to save costs (apart from the starter solonoid - technically a relay - and horn relay). But you can sort these given time and inclination.

Drive as many as you can. If you haven't had an old clunker - sorry - classic it will be a bit different.
It's the only way you can discover if you would actually like one!
First or last are generally considered the most "sort after". Think an S1 Elan or Sprint.
It's down to you - which do you prefer?

Dargro wrote:I know +2s is a better interior and big valve engine but is it a huge difference between the to engines and the driveabilty of a 4 spread vers 5 speed any advise thanks lads

Only the S130 has the big valve engine. +2 / +2S / +2S130. 50 years on I doubt you would notice the difference.

BTW how comes I've suddenly gone down a gear? Is it a conspiracy again the 5 speed box?

You're obviously not "coveted" enough, Vince..

JonB wrote:You're obviously not "coveted" enough, Vince..

A subtle hint or a plain case of ranidaphobia?

Just 'cos its yellow does not mean I don't have feelings!

Strike a light mate, I had to look that one up!

An early +2 will accept a Zetec as will a later example, whichever is cheapest will be the way to go, no point spending extra money on stuff you don?t need.

He didn't say he wanted a Zetec. Or do my aged, rheumy old eyes decieve me?

No I deffo don't want a zetec I'd see on utube one fitted with honda s2000 and honda 6 speed total nut ball on wheels but no ill stick to the original design thanks maybe a few mods for modern traffic but no more

Oh is that the yellow car doing doughnuts? Madder than a box of frogs.

Yea I think it is sound great and sure it's figures probably look great on paper but the +2 is from an time we're style and the hole feel of a sports car was pure magic total driver involment a complete mechanical machine no computers or drive aids that's why I love my elise it's just pure driving reminds of go karting as a kid but I love 60s and, 70s sports cars you can fix them with basic tools for me the fixing is a major part of the classic car ownership you have to been prepared to live with that