1968 Lotus Elan +2

Registration: DDD 133G
Chassis: 1087
Odometer: 77,594
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• History file with invoices dating back to 1986
• Only around 4,500 miles recorded between 2012 and its final MOT in 2018
• An ideal rolling improvement or cosmetic restoration project

Introduced in 1967, the Lotus +2 was Colin Chapman's answer to customers who loved the delicacy and handling of the original Elan but required rather more practicality. Known internally as the Type 50, it retained the essential Lotus ingredients of a lightweight glassfibre body mounted over a steel backbone chassis, independent suspension and the celebrated Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine, but with a longer wheelbase, wider track and a pair of occasional rear seats. Lotus itself describes the +2 as its move towards a more family-orientated and upmarket sports car.

Importantly, this 1968 example is from the early period of +2 production. Lotus records the original Elan +2 as being produced from 1967, powered by the 1,558cc four-cylinder Twin Cam producing 118bhp and coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox. At just 853kg, it remained very much a proper Lotus despite its increased accommodation.

This car is an appealing proposition for somebody who wants an early +2 to use and gradually improve rather than a freshly restored example carrying a corresponding price tag. It is showing 77,594 miles, while the history file contains invoices for parts and work carried out stretching back as far as 1986, together with previous MOT certificate.

The MOT history also helps provide some useful context to the displayed mileage. Its last MOT expired in 2018, at which point the car had covered approximately 73,000 miles. Records indicate it had covered only around 4,500 miles since 2012, while the current reading is 77,594 miles. Although we would not claim the mileage as independently verified, the progression shown within the available history is certainly worthy of note.

Where this particular +2 becomes especially interesting is its condition. There has been no attempt to disguise the fact that this is an older Lotus which would benefit substantially from cosmetic improvement. The red paintwork has faded considerably and displays numerous areas of deterioration, including flaking, chips and localised losses to the finish. This is particularly evident across the nose and headlamp pods, while the rear brightwork also displays notable surface corrosion. A repaint would undoubtedly transform the car.

That said, from what can be seen, the glassfibre body itself appears reassuringly straight and presentable beneath the tired finish. The panel shape remains attractive, the shut lines look respectable in the photographs and there is nothing immediately apparent externally to detract from the beautifully proportioned +2 shape. As with any glassfibre-bodied Lotus of this age, prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the condition of both body and underlying chassis, but cosmetically this appears much more a case of an ageing finish requiring attention than a car whose appearance has been artificially enhanced for sale.

The interior is another encouraging aspect. It remains predominantly black with the wonderful full-width timber dashboard that gives the +2 a considerably more sophisticated cabin than its two-seat Elan sibling. The original-style instrumentation is present, along with its wood-topped gear lever and three-spoke steering wheel.

The seats remain usable and present reasonably well overall, although there is age-related wear and some stitching and seam deterioration which will require attention. The dashboard veneer itself has also deteriorated considerably in places and would benefit from refinishing or replacement. Again, we rather like the fact that these shortcomings are plainly visible: this is an honest car offering its next owner the opportunity to decide exactly how far they wish to take it.

Perhaps the greatest appeal of this car is therefore that it occupies a useful middle ground. This isn't a dismantled restoration project requiring years before it can be enjoyed, nor is it a cosmetically restored example whose imperfections have disappeared beneath fresh paint. Instead, it is a running and driving early Lotus +2 with a substantial history file, attractive fundamentally complete presentation and very obvious areas in which value and appearance could potentially be improved.