Looking at buying a Elan +2

[dannygt4smith]

Hi,

First time on here and looking into buying a Elan but don't know much about them.

Going to have a look at one this weekend. Its a red 1970 +2. This is a the webpage:

carandclassic.co.uk/car/C17834

Its the four gear model and owner says that he thinks it was originally red and not had a colour change.

Would just like some opinions on the car, what should I look for when viewing, is the price fair e.tc.

tia

[Jason1]

Hi Danny

At ?7,995 it's not cheap, for that money I would want it near perfect.

The best priced ones seem to be in the Club Lotus mag, it may be worth you joining to get more choice and a keener price.

What to look for:

I think the most important thing is that the chassis is not rotten, ask when it was replaced. It's a time consuming job and costly is you are getting someone else to do it.

Also that the paintwork is good, my paintwork is rubbish but to do the job properly costs about ?5,000

Engines are expensive so make sure it is not smoking. You can get a good secondhand one on ebay for ?3,000 or a knacked one for ?1,500 - ?2,000. If the engine has had it most people would break it up and sell the bits on ebay.

Have a look at Spydercars web site

http://www.spydercars.co.uk/advertise_y ... s_here.htm

for an idea of what you should be paying for parts on ebay.

Hope this helps.

Jason

[alaric]

Hi.

My advice is don't rush in. See a few cars first and make sure you're not paying too much.

I've read the description and the car does look nice, but it's impossible to tell without seeing it - as in the previous post what's the bodywork really like, and how's the engine running (smokey?) - the spec does look good though as the work has been done by reputable people so the price may be a reflection of the fact that it's actually a great car.

Good luck.

Sean.

p.s. if you're in Leicester you are next door to QED, one of the best twincam engine builders around

pps there's a video about buying and restoring elans that's worth getting if you're wanting to know what to look for - 'The Classic Lotus Elan +2, a guide to buying servicing and modifying', www.classiccarvideos.co.uk - this link doesn't seem to work - the vid must still be available though... maybe club lotus have it.

[DickyA]

Hi
I agree with the previous posts.
Having had look at the pics, it seems v.similar to my +2S - couple of points [good ones].
- The front screen appears to have a fairly rare chrome surround that covers the rubber .... check the state of the rubber.
- The wheels look like they have chrome rims...check the state of the chrome.

Chassiswise, fatigue is a factor , not only rust...it's done 16years on the 'new' chassis.

Bodywise, check how old the paint is. New paint could be covering up fibreglass stars & stress cracks.

Overall, it looks reasonably honest, albeit abit pricey!

[dannygt4smith]

Just clicked on the pics didn't realise they enlarged

Do the aa and rac do good inspections on cars like these? I am not very good with mechanics etc and think I may need a to get a someone to have a good look it before parting with my cash

[DickyA]

Hi,
They would probably give a good MOT style check over, but there's no substitute for hands-on Loti experience...there's more than a few 'features' that you need to be aware of.

If you don't know your way around the +2, you'll need some one who does!!

The +2 "example has been with its last owner for 18 years and has had thousands of pounds lavished on it"....so it should come with loads of paperwork.

Maybe worth contacting QED (Quorn). They are engine specialists, but probably can steer you to someone who can help.

[gordonlund]

Have a look in Business & Vendor Listings on this web site at Lotus Elan Restoration Guide. I have tried to put down on paper 26 years of Elan ownership, +2 as well as a Sprint. What to look for when buying an Elan and how to go about buying one is all in the book. Have fun but don't rush into it. Take your time and look at a few other cars first to gauge a comparison. It's all in the book.

Good luck,

Gordon Lund

Rhubarb & Custard