Elan Plus 2 S130 Barn Find

[Geoffoman]

I've recently collected a family member's Lotus Elan that has been in his garage since 1985. we can remember the car being used, but it now needs a complete body off restoration and full mechanical restoration. It's seems all complete and inlace, and there are boxes of bit to reassemble. We know the rear half shafts are missing as are the rear brake pads and hand brakes pads. The Engine has not run since 1985, but again it's all there in one piece and the oil looks clean. The tyres also are pumped up and look in good condition, but obviously would need replacement as they have been flat for decades....

The chassis has been replaced at some stage, with a Spyder chassis (it's red). We also understand the car had a 140bhp Vulcan conversion, but there's no paper work on this. We only have the original ad for the sale of the car in 1983 which states this upgrade.

As I don't have the time to renovate the car and am reluctant to advertise the car for sale on E-Bay, I wondered if any forum members would be interested in purchasing the car as is. We are based in East Dorset, UK. I can be contacted on 07742.906412 if any one wants a good project for these long dark winter evenings.

[alan.barker]

Looks like a nice 1970 plus2S to me with the bulge on the Bonnet. Does it have the puddle lights under the bottom edge of the Doors. And Lights inside the Ashtrays.
I had a 1970 plus 2S red just like that,
APH 252H reg
Alan

[Geoffoman]

Hi Alan.

Yes. It has the lower door courtesy lights and ash tray light. Overall the car looks all there and would make a lovely project. I went to see Sydercars in Peterborough in the summer, and they offered to renovate the car for me. But I think it would break the bank unless I do the renovation my self.

[EPC 394J]

I went to see Sydercars in Peterborough in the summer, and they offered to renovate the car for me. But I think it would break the bank unless I do the renovation my self.

Sadly, the problem is, Plus 2s in particular rarely make any financial sense to ?renovate?.

But obviously there are other reasons to do it!

[The Veg]

I hope it gets the love it deserves and returns to glorious life being driven!

[Elan45]

Geof,

Obviously, you need to replace the missing pieces in the back of this car, half shafts and brake pieces. Then rebuild the calipers or have one of the vendors on this site do that for you. Check that the engine will turn over and if so, a new set of points in the dizzy and a new set of spark plugs and fire it up. I see lots of cleaning and polishing, but not a complete body off rebuild. Polish the body, not wax and you'll enjoy the car so much more than if it were fully restored.

I have a +2S just like this, even RHD too, except mine's blue and has the black center/ chrome rim wheels. Built on New Years eve 1969. I bought mine in 1985 after being off road for about 10 years. Engine was rusted solid, but I was able to get it apart and rebuilt and then enjoyed it for a couple of years. Now its been off the road again since the late 80's.

Now w/ 3 S3 Elans and other more pressing restorations, I will probably be offering mine for sale too.

Roger

[Geoffoman]

Hi Roger

Yes. That probably very good advice. Thanks for the input.

Geoff

[mbell]

My car was similar state when I got it. I'd recommend connecting a oil pump type device to the oil pressure gauge take off and pump in some fresh oil to make sure the oil system and pump is primed. Then make sure to turn by hand a bit, is probably spin it on start with plugs removed first. I also pulled the cam cover and hand oil the cans etc.

Before that you want to strip/rebuild the carbs. I'd pull the belt and carefully check the water pump as probably the biggest weak point in the engine and don't like to sit.

I'd also rebuild all the clutch hydraulics, replacing the original line if still there. Expect the clutch plate to be rusted to the flywheel (search on here for how to deal with that).

If it had a brake booster I'd take a very carefully look at it and likely rebuild or replace it as they a know issue spot.

Also lubricate the trunnions, pull the front hubs and regressed.

Looks like a fun project, good luck!

[Elan Peter]

Is it for sale! I really like it. If you could let me know, I may be interested in buying it.
Best regards, Peter

[alan.barker]

Imho the 1970 +2S models are the best, puddle lights, ashtray lights, lots of Fuse Boxes, hump on the Bonnet, spot fog lights.
I have had 3 in the past 1978 +2, 1970 +2S and 1973 +2S130/4.
For sure a personal choice
Alan
fio i've now gone over to TVR 3000M and 3000S, lovely to listen to a V6 Essex

[Elan Peter]

Geoff, I have sent you a reply to your PM, I am unsure if it has sent as I have a temperamental PM thing.
I am interested and will be in touch to tell you if I can get it or not.
Thanks for the kind message.
Best regards, Peter

[greg40green]

PM sent
Thanks , Greg.

[Geoffoman]

Thanks for all the interest in the Elan +2.

It's now gone to a good home, so obviously no longer for sale.

Geoff

[Elan Peter]

Glad to hear it. Wish I had the funds...
Best regards, Peter

[alan.barker]

I hope to see some news from the new owner. Also to see it back on the road
Alan