Tail Lamp Question

[FL-Frank]

I?ve noticed that some S2?s have 6 individual tail lamps, 3 on each side, while others Have only 4, with 2 on each side.

Which is configuration is correct?

[elanfan1]

Both!

Some export models had an extra reflector (rather than lamp).

[1963 S1]

I also believe the size of the lense was different with the export variants.

[knockoffnut]

This is the question which originally got me thinking that we need to build a database of Elan factory variations. S2 cars built for export to the US had six: ie. four lamps plus two reflectors. Rear lamps on S1/S2 Elans varied between earlier style which used L539 signal and L551 stop lamps and the later style using L691 signal (L692 signal for America) and L692 stop lamps, with Lotus building with whatever was at hand, so likely not a clean end of early lamps and start of later lamps. Four lamps cars can been found delivered with L539/L551 and also with L691/L692 rear lamps. My S1 has the L691/L692 configuration, and my research leads me to believe this was its factory specification for my car. I expect that most S2 cars were built with L691/L692 rear lamps with reflectors added only for America. By the way S2 Sevens from the same period also used L551 and L539 rear lamps as optional signals beside the Wingard stop lamps.