aspiring +2 caretaker

[one60]

Greetings,

I've joined the forum in anticipation of acquiring an Elan +2 in the future. Before I make the commitment, I hope to learn about the model by learning from the enthusiasts here.

I've found a Facebook group but if there are other resources I should be aware of please enlighten me!

[ericbushby]

Hi and welcome.
Can I suggest you give us a name. it makes it seem more friendly.
You will find most of the things you need on this forum, but if you are not in a club then I suggest you join one.
Club Lotus is the obvious one but there are others. I have had a lot of help from the local Club Lotus branch and have even been able to make a contribution occasionally. Some of those guys have been running Elans for 40 years and are an incredible resource.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[Matt Elan]

This Forum is the best resource for info on the Elan and Plus 2. It is freindly and very co-operative with egos to get in the way! You can find info on everything regarding the cars! Welcome.
If you want some thing in print then my book Lotus Elan and Plus 2 source book by Mathew Vale and published by Veloce gives (imho) a good guide to the practicalities of owning and running the cars - all based on hard earned experiences. There is also a Veloce Buyers guide for the Elan and Plus 2. Both are available on Amazon or all good bookshops.
Where in London are you? I'm 50 minutes from Waterloo if you want to see a couple of Plus 2s for research?
Regards
Matt

[The Veg]

Welcome One60!

This is definitely the best place to learn about these cars. Let us know how the search goes and post pics when you buy one!

[one60]

Thanks everyone for sharing your enthusiasm and encouragement.

Grant aka one60

[TonyA]

I am in NW London; If convenient for you , send me a PM and you are welcome to see my plus 2 and talk about the joys ( and agonies) of ownership..Tony

[h20hamelan]

https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/ ... -22-4X27xg

no affiliation & etc

nice one!!!

[one60]

https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1968-lotus-elan-22-4X27xg

no affiliation & etc

nice one!!!

Interesting find. I wish there were better side photos of the panel gaps.

Is the damage to the sill shown in photo 96 of concern? Is this a common issue?

[Matt Elan]

Hi Grant

The outer sills on the Plus 2 are simply thinish glass fibre covers which enclose a longitudinal steel member which bolts through the inner sill via three steel plates fitted to the inside of the inner sill. The steel member provides stiffness to the outside edge of the body shell, the outer seat belt anchorage points, jacking points front and rear and a degree of side impact protection. Original sills will be rusted away by now; Spyder provide replacement tubular items which are robust, zinc plated and heavy, other suppliers provide pressed stainless steel box section units. The damage to the sill in the picture is just cosmetic and will be not very obvious to a passer by. But it is important to check if the interior sills have been replaced on any car you view!
HTHs Matt

[one60]

Thanks for the helpful description regarding the sills and their attachment. I've read a number of posts and viewed photos regarding sill corrosion and replacement. Much to learn!

[alanr]

[quote="one60"] I wish there were better side photos of the panel gaps. /quote]

Don't expect to find modern car small or even consistant side to side panel gaps on any +2!
The panel gaps on these individually hand built and assembled fibreglass cars was never that good even when they were new 50+years ago.

Good luck with the search

Alan.

[one60]

Since joining, I've had feedback from a number of members as well as the pleasure of meeting with two forum members and +2 owners and viewing 3 different cars! Thanks for the generosity of your time, insights and coffee!

-Grant