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Market Auction

1971 Lotus Elan +2S 130/4

At a Glance

~10 Year Ownership | Low Recent Mileage | Market Auction - Seller Created Listing

  • Mileage~22,922 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationFreshwater, Isle of Wight

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

MARKET AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,500
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MARKET AUCTION

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,500

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Video #2

Introduction

The Lotus Elan Plus 2 has the most beautiful lines which still look current over 50 years on. For its time, it had stunning performance and handling and was a highly desirable sports car.

I have owned the car for nearly 10 years and have enjoyed working on it and simply looking at it. I consider it to be almost a work of art. Now in my seventies, working on it and getting in and out of it are getting a bit harder. I don't use it very much, having covered less than 1,000 miles in the time I've owned it. I think it's time to let someone else have ownership.

Market Auction

Richard, the seller, has created this listing themselves using our free Market Auction tool. Unlike our Curated Auctions, we haven’t photographed the car or written the listing, however we have completed 3 important security checks for your peace of mind.

V5C Checked

Richard provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Richard provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

V5C Checked

Richard provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Richard provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

In the current world of modern ugly cars, this stands out as a rare beauty. The colour combination of red and silver against the chrome looks gorgeous. The car gets many admiring comments even though there are minor defects described below.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with Minilite alloy wheels with Toyo 600F5 185/60 R14 82H tyres which have very little wear. The polished wheel rims have some patches of corrosion under the laquer which could be remedied by an alloy wheel refurbisher. There is an unused Minilite wheel for a spare, but currently has no tyre fitted.

Bodywork

The bodywork is generally pretty good. There are one or two spider cracks, mainly round the headlamp pods and a small chip in the opening edge of the driver's door. The original Lotus chassis has been replaced by a previous owner by a Spyder chassis, which are generally considered far superior to the Lotus offering.

The chassis is still in a good solid condition. I have replaced the sills for new stainless steel ones. I have also replaced the rear bumper, the front bumper is in excellent condition. There is some slight pitting in the chromework on the sidelight and rear light cluster surrounds.

Paint

The main detriment are microblisters, predominantly in the silver roof, which I have tried to show in the photographs. There are a number of small scratches and chips on close inspection, but fortunately they don't rust on a fibre-glass car!

If you want a car that looks like it has just left the factory, then it needs to be resprayed. If you're happy with a car that looks pretty smart which can be used regularly without fretting, leave it as is. The car comes with a Coverdale bespoke, Lotus logo'd dust cover, which sets it off nicely in the garage!

Glass and Trim

The glass is all good, no cracks or chips. However, the rear screen would once have been heated, but must have been replaced along the way with a plain screen. I have used the heated screen switch to power the electric fuel pump, which should fool any potential car thieves.

I have re-bonded the windscreen in order to fit a new chrome surround. The electric windows are very lethargic to raise and sometimes need a bit of assistance. The rear screen rubber has gone hard with age and allows an odd drip of water through when washing the car. A replacement rubber seal costs about £30 and I have a new chrome-coloured plastic filler strip for the seal.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The car has a wonderful classic dashboard; walnut with lots of gauges and switches. Beautiful!

Seats and Carpets

I always thought that the original front seats never suited the car. They looked as though they came from a saloon car and had no side support or head restraints. When the foam started disintegrating I replaced them with classic sports car bucket seats which are much more comfortable and look better proportioned. They don't tilt forward for access to the rear seats, but as the rear seats are just about useless, I don't find this an issue. The rear seats, however, are in pretty good condition.

The carpets have all been replaced recently.

Dashboard

I have replaced the dashboard and it looks lovely. All the gauges work, apart from the clock. I did manage to get it going, but it packed up again a few days later, so I gave up. The radio is pretty useless, but I doubt you would hear it anyway above the induction roar of the two twin-choke Webbers.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

I believe the steering wheel is the original. It had a very thin rim which I found uncomfortable, so I have fitted a rim glove to fatten it up. The gear stick has the original wooden knob. Note this is the 4 speed gearbox which has a lovely precise gear change; much better than the 5 speed box.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Here's a classic sportscar where rust isn't an issue. If you like the sound of induction roar, this is the car for you.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts and runs fine, although a bit smoky when cold. It has had electronic ignition fitted in the past. I have fitted a new clutch and release bearing, new big-end and main crankshaft bearings, timing chain, water pump, ring gear and exhaust manifold. The entire exhaust system is stainless steel. The mechanical fuel pump has been replaced with an electric one, along with a fuel pressure regulator and safety cut-out switch (in the boot).

The gearbox is good with a very smooth gear change. The differential has had new oil seals fitted. New clutch master and slave cylinders have been fitted.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes have been comprehensively overhauled with new disks all round, new brake pipes. The callipers have been refurbished with new pads, pistons and seals. The brake servo has been replaced.

The suspension all appears to be in good order.

The Drive

Starting an Elan with Webber carbs is a little unusual because it isn't recommended to use the choke. The accelerator is pressed 2 or 3 times then the engine usually fires first time. It might die a couple of times, but usually it runs on the second or third attempt. The throttle needs to be blipped for a couple of minutes until the engine warms slightly, then it ticks over OK.

The clutch is light and operates smoothly. The gear change is precise and operates beautifully. There is no power steering so steering is heavy at parking speed, but soon lightens up when moving. Steering is then precise and responsive with plenty of feedback.

The car corners like it is on rails, due largely to the suspension design that was well ahead of its time. This is not a quiet car; there is significant induction roar from the carburettors, but it is a raw and involving car to drive and easily keeps pace with most modern cars. The brakes are really good being disks all round and servo assisted.

Electrics and Other

The electrics are all working, apart from the clock. I have replaced all the relays and quite a few connectors. Be aware that the headlamps are the original sealed-beam units and are not very good by modern day standards, but I have only driven it once in the dark. As they are a standard size, more modern units are available.

The headlamps are vacuum operated and lifting them switches on both headlamps and sidelights. However, lowering them only switches off the headlamps and not the sidelights. They have to be switched off with the rocker switch on the dashboard. This is not a fault, but a quirk of the Elan.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

The history is pretty comprehensive with receipts and MOT certificates over much of the life of the car.

There is a file of maintenance documents dating back to the 70s which will be supplied with the car. I have photographed and included the last 10 years worth during my time of ownership. I have photographed and included all the test certificates I have, which mainly cover the period 1977 - 2001 when an MOT was required, although there is one for 2015. Please note that the mileage recorded in 1986 was 77,030 miles then the following year it was just 33 miles. I assume that the speedometer was rebuilt or replaced that year, so the current recorded mileage of 22,922 is really more like 100,000 miles in total.

As above, there are receipts and invoices dating back to the 70s.

Included in the sale are: Genuine Lotus workshop manual, Coverdale bespoke dust cover, chrome-coloured plastic filler for rear window seal, new oil filter, 2 sets of seviceable spark plugs - medium and cold running (the car is currently running on hot plugs).

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From Trade Classics:

This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car - instead the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the V5, and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPi that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page - we just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.

Like all our auctions, if there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - the Buyer's Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details
  • Model Elan plus 2 S130
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 1971
  • CC 1558
  • Mileage 22,922 on clock
  • Colour Red
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # 7108120444L
  • Engine # P24897
  • Former Keepers 9
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~10 years
  • Vehicle Registration gbJ 45k
  • Driver’s Side RHD
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Coupe
  • Auction ID 20022
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Freshwater, Isle of Wight

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £1,500
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    Auction Ends Thu 6th Mar at 8.10pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  1
    £1,500 bid by tharindu8521.02.25 @ 14:03:15
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    3 Comments
    justwing
    justwing
    3 hours ago

    Hello. Do you still have the original front seats? Thanks.

    Richard
    Richard
    Seller
      justwing
    2 hours ago

    Sorry, I don’t. We had a long distance house move 5 years ago and I couldn’t justify transporting many of the bits I’d accumulated for the car.

    For the avoidance of doubt, for anyone after a totally original car, the following parts to my knowledge are not original Lotus:
    Chassis (Spyder), drive shafts (Spyder), brake servo (Lockheed rather than Girling), Exhaust and manifold (stainless steel), fuel pump & regulator (electrical rather than mechanical), air filters, ignition (now electronic), sills (stainless steel), wheels, (Minilite), door mirrors, air horns, electrical relays, radiator fan (although the thermostat is original Kenlowe), and obviously, front seats.

    justwing
    justwing
      Richard
    1 hour ago

    Thanks for confirming and sharing the extra information.

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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Elan like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Winter 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Freshwater, Isle of Wight

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