Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hello everyone. I am in the process of trying to buy a plus 2.
I want to build an exact replica of the silver one that Graham Hill owned, I therefore would like to know if anybody had any photos of it other than the famous one (see below).
Any help would be appreciated!
Best regards, P

The actual car was sold at auction a few years ago and is, I understand, being restored.

When you say ?exact replica? the only non standard item the car had was its colour, I believe. In all other respects it was an ordinary production +2

Tim

Its alive and looks splendid!
I saw it on drive it day at a rally near Maldon. It's been fully rebuilt and is magnificent. Sorry didn't get a better photo.

Alan.

Wow! They restored it perfectly. That is exactly what i want to create.
Thank you so much for the photo.
If anybody has any more photos of it, drop me a message.
Best regards, P

trw99 wrote:The actual car was sold at auction a few years ago and is, I understand, being restored.

When you say ?exact replica? the only non standard item the car had was its colour, I believe. In all other respects it was an ordinary production +2

Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen pictures of a silver Plus 2 before except for one picture of one that didn't have mirrors so might be the same one. Guessing Mr. Hill was of the opinion that what is behind does not matter?

To clear up a point, when I say "exact replica" I mean, quite simply that I want to create a sister car to the G Hill car. I want photos of it so I can copy the interior and other sections. I also want to what rear lights it had: Corello ore E-type?
S that is what I mean by replica.
P

I think there is a photo of this car at Bell & Colvill in Absolute Lotus Edition #8 page 78. No mention of it being Graham Hill's car though...

Not sure, it could be. I believe that Bell and Colvil did supply it.
P

What you are talking about is a tribute car. It would be near impossible to find the exact parts to become a replica.

Okay, a tribute car.
I am sorry if I confused anyone. I always thought all of these words meant the same thing.
I did not want to cause controversy, just want photos of the G Hill car. If however the correct word is tribute car, I will begin calling it that.
P

The car was at auction in 2016. It is a Q1 1968 car, Unit No 50/0418

This was the description: "We are delighted to offer this 1968 Lotus Elan Plus 2 that was given to Graham Hill for his personal use whilst at Team Lotus. Originally supplied in silver, this Plus 2 was driven by the famous Lotus twin-cam power unit mated to an all synchromesh four-speed gearbox. The current owner and vendor acquired this Plus 2 during August 1976; by which time, RAH 400F was sporting yellow coachwork.
Our vendor used the car for commuting and holidays abroad. Shortly prior to one such trip abroad, the Lotus suffered engine problems and a decision was made to replace the unit with another, rather than rebuild the original engine, due to time constraints. This was a common fix for many marques during that period, as the cars had little value and the costs of rebuild outweighed the easily obtainable second hand engines. Today, this Plus 2 can be described as requiring restoration. The body, however, does look straight and the original silver finish may still be seen in places.
An interesting history file contains the original log book and shows the first registered keeper as Lotus Cars Ltd., dated 18th June 1968. Also included is a letter from Lotus Cars (Sales) Ltd., from 15th July 1970 that states that RAH 400F was "supplied to Graham Hill for his exclusive use during has associations with Team Lotus and was registered by Lotus Cars Ltd." A well known photograph of Graham Hill next to the Lotus and his aircraft adds further to the provenance.
The vendor informs us that whilst in his ownership over the past 40 years, the car has been garaged for the past 37 years. The odometer is faulty but the vendor informs us that the mileage is approximately 120,000 miles. Offered with no reserve, this must represent a fabulous opportunity to acquire a Lotus owned by triple crown champion Graham Hill, a name that sits alongside the greats. Such opportunities are rare indeed."

There are photos; here's one:

Tim

Thank you very much. I remember it being for ale for about ?16 000 as it did not sell at auction. I now regret not getting it.
Best regards, P

prezoom wrote:What you are talking about is a tribute car. It would be near impossible to find the exact parts to become a replica.

What exact parts? It's a Plus 2 painted silver.

I agree with Chrispy,

I think Peter has described his intentions well enough, whether he describes it as a "replica" or a "tribute"

Despite the car being owned by G Hill, the car itself is hardly a one-off special is it?

Mark

Peter
I own Graham?s car which I bought at the auction in November 2016. After a painstaking and extremely time-consuming restoration, it hit the road under its own power in March 2019, the first time in 37 years.
As suggested, it really is a very ordinary earlyish (May 1968) Plus 2, apart from the colour (Lotus L36 silver) and the provenance of course.
Get a mid ?68 Plus 2 in original condition, paint it silver, and you have a replica!
Definitely no exterior mirrors please, and you need a Pye Major MW/LW radio.
Come and see it in Essex if you wish.
Most of the auction info quoted above is accurate, but it still has the original cylinder head and the speedo isn?t faulty.
It also has its original glass and sealed beam headlights, among many other things.
Supplied to Graham by Lotus, no dealer involved. Maybe Bell & Colvill serviced it, or sold it subsequently- anyone know?
Ian