Elan Plus 2 compared to a Triumph GT6?

[Craig Elliott]

Hmm the comment above re steering column switch gear seems odd to me - I thought the +2 used the GT6 steering column, in which case the switch gear would be the same and is pretty standard for early '70s cars (indicators, dip switch, headlamp flasher)?

[JJ66]

Hi Glenn,

Great Question!! I have been lucky (?!) enough to own both cars. I had a GT6 Mk3 (with rotoflex rear suspension) as a long term car, had it for about 10 years. I did 180k miles in that car and it was fantastic, but a very different car to an Elan +2. The GT6 had solidity and a very different feel, yes, it could understeer but with practice it could be hustled along very, very quickly. In terms of a long distance GT or tourer, and as an everyday car, then the Triumph wins hands down due to the higher gearing and torquey, silky smooth straight 6. I fitted a 3.27:1 diff in mine and along with the overdrive box you could cruise all day at 90mph. Rust is a definite issue though, I did a lot of welding on mine.... Onto the Elan +2, I have had two of them over the last 25 years, the first was an early car (Number 60) and then my current one is a late car with 5 speed box. It even shares a steering column and ignition switch with the Mk3 GT6!! The Elan clearly handles very well and the engine is a beauty. The gearbox isn't so slick but the interior is really well kitted out and is a very pleasant place to be. I love the fact that I don't have to worry about rust and it has a Lotus Galvanised subframe ( ). So for me right now, having had to handle body rot on too many old cars, the Elan is the car for me. But they're both great cars and fabulous to own.
Best of luck, Jonathan

[LaikaTheDog]

I have a GT6 MK1 and prior to that a herald 13/60

When I got my first Elan it was light years ahead of the GT6

Lovely dashboard, selection of dials, electric windows, lamps in the doors, disk brakes, so much luxury versus the GT6

And it drives like a dream compared to my GT6.

GT6 is related to historic rallies !