+2 history

[davidallen]

Now that is a very interesting question; I did not realise there was a
difference.

The car has a straight thro' exhaust, the bodywork has been moulded to fit
around it and "heat plate" fitted so I guess it must be original.

Don't you have an early +2? Does it have a transverse silencer?

David

-----Original Message-----
From: Gareth Flanagan [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 16 February 2005 12:05
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



David
Just had a thought.......which exhaust do you have???
If it's the car with the transverse silencer then it's a +2 if it's a
'straight through' like the sprint with the exhaust pipe exiting the car
centrally then I believe it to be a +2s.......
Or at least I'd heard that only the early +2 had the transverse silencer
Cheers
G

-----Original Message-----
From: ALLEN, David [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 14 February 2005 13:32
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



I wonder if someone can answer a question about my +2 which has been
puzzling me since I brought the car.

The car is an early +2. This is confirmed by the 2 fuse wiring, toggle
switches, non collapsible steering column etc. However the log book
describes it as a +2s. I have always taken this an error by the original
agent/DVLC but under several layers of paint at the rear of the car I
found the location holes on either side for a badge, right where the "S"
badges are located.

Now, I have mentioned before the car was originally destined for the US,
but for some reason was sold in the UK. When I brought it , the original
reflectors on each corner were still fitted, and it did once have
Strombergs and high backed seats

So, is the car a hybrid? Were the original +2's sold in the States
marketed as "S" but based on the earlier model or were badges added by
one of the many previous owner?

Perhaps I should call time team!

David









CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:

[EMA7K]

Ooooooo...
Ooooo.....
Another thing..!!!! Door handles.....is the lock separate or combined?
Combined is the +2 the separate version the +2s

-----Original Message-----
From: Gareth Flanagan [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 16 February 2005 12:05
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



David
Just had a thought.......which exhaust do you have???
If it's the car with the transverse silencer then it's a +2 if it's a
'straight through' like the sprint with the exhaust pipe exiting the car
centrally then I believe it to be a +2s....... Or at least I'd heard
that only the early +2 had the transverse silencer Cheers G

-----Original Message-----
From: ALLEN, David [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 14 February 2005 13:32
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



I wonder if someone can answer a question about my +2 which has been
puzzling me since I brought the car.

The car is an early +2. This is confirmed by the 2 fuse wiring, toggle
switches, non collapsible steering column etc. However the log book
describes it as a +2s. I have always taken this an error by the original
agent/DVLC but under several layers of paint at the rear of the car I
found the location holes on either side for a badge, right where the "S"
badges are located.

Now, I have mentioned before the car was originally destined for the US,
but for some reason was sold in the UK. When I brought it , the original
reflectors on each corner were still fitted, and it did once have
Strombergs and high backed seats

So, is the car a hybrid? Were the original +2's sold in the States
marketed as "S" but based on the earlier model or were badges added by
one of the many previous owner?

Perhaps I should call time team!

David









CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:



















CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:

[davidallen]

separate!

-----Original Message-----
From: Gareth Flanagan [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 16 February 2005 12:37
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



Ooooooo...
Ooooo.....
Another thing..!!!! Door handles.....is the lock separate or combined?
Combined is the +2 the separate version the +2s

-----Original Message-----
From: Gareth Flanagan [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 16 February 2005 12:05
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



David
Just had a thought.......which exhaust do you have???
If it's the car with the transverse silencer then it's a +2 if it's a
'straight through' like the sprint with the exhaust pipe exiting the car
centrally then I believe it to be a +2s....... Or at least I'd heard
that only the early +2 had the transverse silencer Cheers G

-----Original Message-----
From: ALLEN, David [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 14 February 2005 13:32
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



I wonder if someone can answer a question about my +2 which has been
puzzling me since I brought the car.

The car is an early +2. This is confirmed by the 2 fuse wiring, toggle
switches, non collapsible steering column etc. However the log book
describes it as a +2s. I have always taken this an error by the original
agent/DVLC but under several layers of paint at the rear of the car I
found the location holes on either side for a badge, right where the "S"
badges are located.

Now, I have mentioned before the car was originally destined for the US,
but for some reason was sold in the UK. When I brought it , the original
reflectors on each corner were still fitted, and it did once have
Strombergs and high backed seats

So, is the car a hybrid? Were the original +2's sold in the States
marketed as "S" but based on the earlier model or were badges added by
one of the many previous owner?

Perhaps I should call time team!

David









CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:



















CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:

[EMA7K]

Correct
I have a 67 +2 and it's a transverse silencer....the exhaust basically
as yours follows the chassis upto the diff and then mine takes a 90deg
bend to the drivers side and comes out in line with the rear light
unit...as opposed to yours which appears from the rear of the car
centralish.......
Cheers
G

-----Original Message-----
From: ALLEN, David [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 16 February 2005 12:35
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



Now that is a very interesting question; I did not realise there was a
difference.

The car has a straight thro' exhaust, the bodywork has been moulded to
fit around it and "heat plate" fitted so I guess it must be original.

Don't you have an early +2? Does it have a transverse silencer?

David

-----Original Message-----
From: Gareth Flanagan [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 16 February 2005 12:05
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



David
Just had a thought.......which exhaust do you have???
If it's the car with the transverse silencer then it's a +2 if it's a
'straight through' like the sprint with the exhaust pipe exiting the car
centrally then I believe it to be a +2s....... Or at least I'd heard
that only the early +2 had the transverse silencer Cheers G

-----Original Message-----
From: ALLEN, David [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 14 February 2005 13:32
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



I wonder if someone can answer a question about my +2 which has been
puzzling me since I brought the car.

The car is an early +2. This is confirmed by the 2 fuse wiring, toggle
switches, non collapsible steering column etc. However the log book
describes it as a +2s. I have always taken this an error by the original
agent/DVLC but under several layers of paint at the rear of the car I
found the location holes on either side for a badge, right where the "S"
badges are located.

Now, I have mentioned before the car was originally destined for the US,
but for some reason was sold in the UK. When I brought it , the original
reflectors on each corner were still fitted, and it did once have
Strombergs and high backed seats

So, is the car a hybrid? Were the original +2's sold in the States
marketed as "S" but based on the earlier model or were badges added by
one of the many previous owner?

Perhaps I should call time team!

David









CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:



















CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:

















CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:

[trw99]

I have done some digging around in my stock of Lotus information and
come up with the following, in the hope that it may be helpful.

1967
June - Type 50 +2 announced
August -Production started at then new Hethel factory
September - Autocar in UK road test and specification of new +2

1968
January - US safety laws introduced, all Elans sent to States were
Special Equipment models. Road & Track technical analysis of +2 in UK
March - Stromberg emission engines fitted to US models with bonnet
bulge
July - Last of the pre-emission engined Elans sold in US
November - First European S4 and +2 Elans (chassis no. 50/1280)
receive Strombergs when the factory had used most of their stocks of
Webers

1969
January - +2 qualified to go on sale in US
March - +2S (chassis no. 50/1554) announced in UK, included more
instruments, more sound proofing and foglights as standard. Only
available fully assembled
July - Sports Car Graphic test +2 in US, (having tested one in UK in
November 1967) shows lights on rear flanks, closer to bumper than
badge on UK models
July - +2S production started
August - Road Test of +2 in US shows twin servos and Stromberg
emission equipment clearly
December - Standard +2 discontinued (chassis no. 50/2407). Approx
1600 built since launch. Final +2S old number chassis 50/2526.

1970
April - Autosport in UK road test +2S, shows badges on both rear
flanks, extra instruments and rocker switches
October - Alternator fitted, cooling and exhaust silencer systems
improved, Phillips radio fitted as standard

1971
February - Introduction of +2S 130 in UK. For a while, the US cars
remained fitted with the 115 bhp engine, until the Strombergs were
modified to pass more air. Silver roof on all +2S 130's. Autocar
in
UK test +2S 130

1974
December - Discontinued. Approx 3000 built since March 1969

Back to work now!

Tim

[Foxie]

Lads,

I have a 68 Plus Two (reg Novemeber 68 ) and a May 1970 Plus Two S.

There is an in line silencer on both, exactly the same.

The front seats and console are different, the console in the 68 has a lifting cover, and the seats are more basic.

There are cut outs and spotlights under the front bumper on both, but there are no plastic backing covers behind the spots on the '68.

Sean Murray

----- Original Message -----
From: Gareth Flanagan
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 12:46 PM
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history


Correct
I have a 67 +2 and it's a transverse silencer....the exhaust basically
as yours follows the chassis upto the diff and then mine takes a 90deg
bend to the drivers side and comes out in line with the rear light
unit...as opposed to yours which appears from the rear of the car
centralish.......
Cheers
G

["e s"]

None of this is true. early cars with differeent locks and transverse silencer are just early cars. The straight silencer does NOT mean it is an 'S'

The S consists of the following:

Clock, voltmeter, ambient temp gauge
padded console and different rear seats
padded under dash trim
extra lights or reflectors in doors.
different headliner material

I may have missed something, but that is about it.

An early +2[67 68] is just that.
The last non S +2 was supposed to be 50/2400, 1 1/2 years after the silencer change
There were claimed to be some gawdawful number of 2s built in 12/69 [I haveseen tags hundreds of numbers apart] My guess is that it had to do with federal regs effective 1/1970 and that a lot of tags were made in 12/69


----- Original Message -----
From: "Gareth Flanagan" <***@***.***>
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 12:36:56 -0000


--
_______________________________________________

[davidallen]

You could add colapsable steering column, improved wiring with 12 (?) fuses
and fog lamps.

David



-----Original Message-----
From: e s [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 16 February 2005 16:09
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



None of this is true. early cars with differeent locks and transverse
silencer are just early cars. The straight silencer does NOT mean it is an
'S'

The S consists of the following:

Clock, voltmeter, ambient temp gauge
padded console and different rear seats
padded under dash trim
extra lights or reflectors in doors.
different headliner material

I may have missed something, but that is about it.

An early +2[67 68] is just that.
The last non S +2 was supposed to be 50/2400, 1 1/2 years after the silencer
change
There were claimed to be some gawdawful number of 2s built in 12/69 [I have
seen tags hundreds of numbers apart] My guess is that it had to do with
federal regs effective 1/1970 and that a lot of tags were made in 12/69


----- Original Message -----
From: "Gareth Flanagan" <***@***.***>
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 12:36:56 -0000


--
_______________________________________________

http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/htt ... efault.asp
?SRC=lycos10

[EMA7K]

Did the new mould for the +2 with the variation in spotlight pods,
change of transverse silencer, the change in door locks, additional
puddle lights etc etc etc not all contribute the update to an 'S' spec?
I thought they had done all the mods at once thus creating the
'S'.......typical lotus.....
dont write it down and then leave the owners in complete confusion!!!

-----Original Message-----
From: e s [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 16 February 2005 16:09
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



None of this is true. early cars with differeent locks and transverse
silencer are just early cars. The straight silencer does NOT mean it is
an 'S'

The S consists of the following:

Clock, voltmeter, ambient temp gauge
padded console and different rear seats
padded under dash trim
extra lights or reflectors in doors.
different headliner material

I may have missed something, but that is about it.

An early +2[67 68] is just that.
The last non S +2 was supposed to be 50/2400, 1 1/2 years after the
silencer change There were claimed to be some gawdawful number of 2s
built in 12/69 [I have seen tags hundreds of numbers apart] My guess is
that it had to do with federal regs effective 1/1970 and that a lot of
tags were made in 12/69


----- Original Message -----
From: "Gareth Flanagan" <***@***.***>
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 12:36:56 -0000





--
_______________________________________________

http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/htt ... om/default
.asp?SRC=lycos10










CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:

["e s"]

Collapsing column is a fed mod, non s have it. I'd have to look at the wiring diagrams to see if earlier non fed s cars have more fuses. Did all S cars have fog lights? I'm not sure if it may have been an option
----- Original Message -----
From: "ALLEN, David" <***@***.***>
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:34:54 -0000


--
_______________________________________________

[davidallen]

I believe in the UK the collapsible column came in with the S along with the
two stalks. It was never fitted to the non S in the UK. Also non S, non fed
only had two fuses.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: e s [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 16 February 2005 17:07
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



Collapsing column is a fed mod, non s have it. I'd have to look at the
wiring diagrams to see if earlier non fed s cars have more fuses. Did all S
cars have fog lights? I'm not sure if it may have been an option
----- Original Message -----
From: "ALLEN, David" <***@***.***>
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] +2 history
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:34:54 -0000






--
_______________________________________________

http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/htt ... efault.asp
?SRC=lycos10

[Gordon Sauer]

Just to muddy the water--did all fog light cutouts have fitted black plastic
inserts. I have the cut out (72 +2S 130, silver roof and all the gauges,
fuses in center of dash-no ashtray there--and numbers all match on doors, hood,
headlight pods, grease pencil on interior roof--so seems consistent) but inserts
I purchased do not fit! It seems some pictures in books show no inserts. It
would seem odd that those inserts would be added later after going to the
trouble of a mold change just to allow insert location. Gordon Sauer

[Foxie]

Hi Gordon,

As I wrote earlier, my 68 has cutouts and spotlights, but no inserts. The 70 has cutouts, and black plastic inserts.
It looks like the cutouts are just that, a spotlight shaped cutout in thefibreglass. Where these incorporated in the moulding later ?

BTW, where did you purchase the inserts ? I need some.

Sean Murray
----- Original Message -----
From: ***@***.***
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 6:26 PM
Subject: Re: [LotusElan.net] +2 history


Just to muddy the water--did all fog light cutouts have fitted black plastic
inserts. I have the cut out (72 +2S 130, silver roof and all the gauges,
fuses in center of dash-no ashtray there--and numbers all match on doors,hood,
headlight pods, grease pencil on interior roof--so seems consistent) but inserts
I purchased do not fit! It seems some pictures in books show no inserts.It
would seem odd that those inserts would be added later after going to the
trouble of a mold change just to allow insert location. Gordon Sauer

[zuckerlowe]

Hi Sean,
my 1968 +2 50/1040 reg date is December 1968 and doesn't have the
cut outs for the spotlights, which I always thought were a +2S
modification. Is your build number after my one, or did they come
down the line with two different front aprons, which seems unlikely?

Cheers
Steve

--- In ***@***.***, "Sean Murray" <snmurray@i...> wrote:

[Foxie]

Steve,

My 68 Plus 2 ( with spotlight cutouts ) is chassis no. 50 / 0993, first reg 31st October 68.

Curiouser and curiouser !

Sean



----- Original Message -----
From: zuckerlowe
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2005 7:35 AM
Subject: Re: [LotusElan.net] +2 history



Hi Sean,
my 1968 +2 50/1040 reg date is December 1968 and doesn't have the
cut outs for the spotlights, which I always thought were a +2S
modification. Is your build number after my one, or did they come
down the line with two different front aprons, which seems unlikely?

Cheers
Steve