Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I have just purchased, through ebay, what purports to be an original handbook for my Elan +2.
Although the cover is clearly marked Lotus Elan +2 and appears to be a factory original, dated 1972, and not tampered with in any way except for a pasted in addition relating to the 5 speed gearbox, all the information and pictures within the book relate to the Elan 2 seater.
Does anyone know if this is correct ?
It wouldn't surprise me particularly to find this was just a Chapman cost cutting excercise !

Hi There

This is incorrect, as there is a handbook specific to the Plus 2. If this book hasn't been tampered with as you suggest, it looks like the printer has got things mixed up a bit. Maybe thats why it was up for sale on e-bay

Regards
Andy

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280808543152? ... 500wt_1287

This one?

I also thought this was specific to the +2 although I do not have one.

Jason

Inside should be pix of the Plus 2 dash, jacking instructions clearly showing the body of the Plus 2. Yes it could have been a printing error or got mixed up with the "other" Elan during put together time.

Mike

I have a +2 handook dated 1970, part number 50T324/3 which covers the +2 & +2S models & as Mike says, inside are pic's of +2 & +2S dash layouts inc LHD, basic opperating instructions, tech spec's, fault finding etc. It's all specific to the +2/+2S, absolutely no mention of the 2 seat elan anywhere & unfortunately for me, it doesn't cover the S130 either & at some point in it's life has had something spilled on it which has stained the cover & first few pages . The cover also has a bit more info compared to the pic in the ebay link, so not sure whether this indicates that they're not genuine or if Lotus just cut down on the printing by 72 ?

Regards, Tim

The cover of the on in the ebay link is correct for the current, or at least the last, print run. I say current as I think they can still be bought new, although I'm not completely sure.

I bought mine new about 12 years ago from Paul Matty and it looks like the ebay one. The insides are specific to the Plus 2 as everyone says. Mine also came with the 130/5 supplement.

Cheers

Robbie

Interesting discussion. The handbook I got from Bruce Brammer in Germany is for the early car. I assume they are reprints; new condition at any rate. It was the only one listed on his site for the Plus 2. Says part number 50T324 on the inside first page. Cover is the same as the eBay link. The book is, as described above, specific to the early Plus 2 with the rat tail switches. The book covers both LHD and RHD dashes.

Lotus Elan +2 Owners Handbook, all models, 46 pgs.,
31,95 ?

Might try to get the correct Federal model book if it is still available as a reprint.

Salut
Mine is part number 50T324/2 printed in february 1969, I can confirm it's specific to the +2 and +2'S
Unfortunately my car is a 1968

Franck

Pretty cool. We seem to have all three handbook part numbers represented in the thread. Going to have to hit Franck up for a trade. Do you fellows know if all three versions are available from a usual supplier in re-print?

Cheers!

Don't know if any or all are available, next time I visit Sue Miller I'll ask. Do we know how many editions there are in total ? Would the 1972 version be /4 & maybe a /5 for the 5 speed supplement ? Also interesting that the earlier versions & the later versions have the same covers where as my /3 1970 version has a different cover ?
Cheers, Tim

Tim, that would be great if you could follow up with Sue and let us know what she has or can get. Very difficult from here to check the details. Sounds like I am after 50T324/2 printed in February 1969, or close enough from Franck's description.

According to my parts book (covered in section T - Accessories with misc tools, jack, etc.), here are all the books listed. Interesting I don't see the Workshop Manual.

• 50 T 324 - Owner's Handbook
• 50 T 325B - Service Parts Book
• 36 T 326B - Service Voucher Book
• 50 T 324(F) - Owner's Handbook Supplement (USA)
  

So, still a bit of confusion on the P/N's. Sounds like USA Federal cars are covered with a supplement as well! other Part's Book's may cover more numbers?

My manual is 324G and supplement, which is about the dash and its switches and the 5 speed, is 324H. My parts book shows Owners Handbook as 324/3? Gordon Sauer

Hello gent's,
I visited Sue Miller yesterday & asked about hand books etc. She has none & dosen't know of anyone reprinting/selling them. It looks like Lotus reprinted some a while back (the ones with the slightly plainer covers) but these are now all gone, so it looks like it's a case of keeping an eye on ebay & the like & hope to get lucky.
Best regards, Tim

I am almost certain I saw handbooks for Elan, Plus2 and the 130 supplement in Paul Matty's when I was there about a month ago

Robbie

Post deleted; my manuals are sold.