Following in the wheel tracks of the radical Elite, Lotus’ equally brilliant Elan proved to be Colin Chapman’s most successful venture to date. The Elite made headlines with its highly advanced fiberglass semi-monocoque body with a steel backbone chassis that gave it superb handling in a featherweight package. While the Elite was highly regarded for its deft handling and brisk performance, it suffered from quality control issues and a high price, which hampered sales. The Elan addressed many of the Elite’s quality issues, and the costs were kept low by replacing the costly Climax engine with a Ford-based four-cylinder topped by a twin-cam head. Lotus retained the rigid and light backbone chassis to ensure precise, balanced handling. The Lotus Elan proved to be a massive success, and Lotus production was booming throughout the 1960s and into the 70s. Very early into the Elan’s development, Colin Chapman ordered the addition of a “family man’s Lotus” to the lineup, returning nearly the same performance as the Elan but with more luxury, sophistication, and a bit of extra space for children or luggage. Chapman asked for a car with “the front of an Elan and the rear of an Elite,” so designers stretched the Elan’s chassis and revised the styling to better suit the longer wheelbase. The result was the Elan +2, introduced in 1967.

Finished in a period appropriate shade of Jaguar willow green over a freshly restored blue leather cabin, this 1969 Elan +2 is an appealing and usable example of Colin Chapman’s remarkably capable Grand Tourer. It is the subject of a good quality cosmetic restoration, exhibiting attractive paintwork, excellent chrome, and factory-appropriate panel fit of the fiberglass body. On close inspection, some minor paint imperfections are visible, yet the car has a consistent overall finish quality. The clean and uncluttered exterior is finished with a set of period-correct Minilite center-lock alloy wheels fitted with appropriately vintage-looking Vredestein tires.

Despite its relatively small capacity, the Ford-based, 1,558cc Lotus Twin Cam ‘four packs a healthy punch, giving the feather-light Elan +2 impressive performance. It breathes through a pair of Weber 40 DCOE carburetors, features a tubular exhaust header, and sends power rearward via a four-speed manual gearbox.

This rare and appealing Elan +2 is a charming example of the breed, and a ready, willing partner for dancing along your favorite ribbons of tarmac.

See me on display at Galpin Lotus.