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In 1957, the Lotus Company owned by Colin Chapman was on the verge of bankruptcy. The success of the
Elan is one of the main reasons Lotus is now a successful corporation. The lightweight fiberglass
body fitted to a steel backbone chassis provided excellent performance and amazing handling.
Mr. Ron Hickman was the designer of Elan and a former employee of the Ford Corporation.
Lotus launched a legend in 1962, the Lotus Elan. Following on from the previous Elite model
the new Elan offered improved handling, performance and had a less fragile feel to its overall
design. Below the Elan bonnet sat a twin-cam four cylinder engine which would become a legend
in its own right, powering other classic Lotus models including the Cortina sports-saloons.
Initially the Elan came as an open two seater, from 1964 a fixed head coupe was also available, both
bodies being constructed from GRP and mounted on a separate chassis. In 1967 a new Elan +2 joined the
range which offered more comfort in a classic GT format. Both models continued to sell well throughout
the late-60's with various model changes.
The Elan ceased production in 1973 and the Elan +2 in 1975. An estimated total of 17,000 original Elans
and Elan +2's were built.
This 1970 Lotus Elan +2 Fixed Head Coupe is a classic example of Lotus success, excellent
performance and amazing handling. This example has been completely restored (Frame-off) over the
years and shows its quality very well. The engine is a four cylinder, four stroke, twin overhead
camshaft unit, with a cast aluminium cylinder head. This 1558 cc engine with Twin Strombergs puts
out about 108 bhp @ 6000.00 RPM. The exterior is finished in a bright Red with a black fixed top.
The interior is black vinyl in great condition with matching black carpeting and Pwr. Windows.
The undercarriage much like the body is extremely solid. Overall this Elan +2 runs and drives
extremely well.
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