Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

The car is off topic but the matter of outstanding value from owning a fast classic Lotus isn't - just about to take delivery of a S2 Europa that happens to have a Banks chassis/suspension and a 210bhp modern engine upgrade (see the photo).

No road tax and ?90 a year insurance on a 3000 mile policy with Hagerty - whatever the twists and turns of 1960s Lotus ownership (including Elans) the combination of zero depreciation, no tax and minimal insurance has to be some compensation...oh yes, they are very cool, have great heritage and are fantastic to drive too!!

David

That a nice looking car and can't argue with the running costs! I bet it's an interesting drive with all that horse power. Few more pictures would be good.

I've a friend who has a couple of basket case Europa he is restoring. He recently picked up an early S1A which had had it's frame cut out. First few cars came with the chassis glassed into the body, which tapped water and rotted the chassis pretty quickly (so I am told). I sat in it, I could bare get through the door and my leg under the steering wheel. Then there was small mater of my feet being on the opposite side of where the chassis should be to be in anything like a drivable position. Pretty scary as I am not that tall (6'2"), luckily he is on the shorter side so should actually fit.

For the pleasure of that test fitting i got to spend a few hours with some sand paper and his other JPS Europa.

Hi David,

That's a very nice example and 200+ bhp should make it an interesting ride

Apologies if you already know, but there's a dedicated Europa forum similar to this one at

http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php

if you're interested. A small and mainly US membership but some UK members and a lot of modified cars. You'd be very welcome.

Brian (EuropaTC on there)

Thanks Brian - will be joining in the forum.

David

There is also a very active Yahoo Group with strong UK and European presence.

I recently moved my insurance to Admiral Multicar (no joke!), they have started doing classic car insurance and it is very competitive.

I used to insure a 2014 LandRover Evoque Dynamic Lux with Tesco for c. 550 GBp and 300 for the Elan +2 for a very basic policy with excesses etc. c. 850 GBp for both.

Admiral quoted me c. 300 GBp for both! With agreed value etc on the Elan - a proper classic policy!

Just a thought if you are looking for insurance!! Using your classic reduces the insurance on your / your other halves car because as a classic driver you must be a low insurance risk ....

Ralph