Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Just joined and wantimg to do and Elan Plus 2 With the blessing of her in doors;- any words of wisdom ( other that don't) could be looking at the early elan in the for sale section

Then let me be the first to welcome you to this, the best Elan Club in the world

Please add your approximate location to your profile. There may be a car available close to you.

Are you set on a +2 or yet to make up your mind and are you looking for a usable car or a restoration project?

Welcome

What's your name and where are you?

There are usually people on here interested in selling if they know where you are and often people are happy to look at any cars you are interested in if you ask.

I prefer an early +2; you get more for your money.

Jason

Going for a + 2 as I can't aford and Elan S4;- Jason is near and I'd love to have a look especially as its the colour I was thinking

mr fixit wrote:Going for a + 2 as I can't aford and Elan S4;- Jason is near and I'd love to have a look especially as its the colour I was thinking

Right, now we just need to know what she who must be obeyed calls you?

.....and if you want a usable car or a project?

Hello Mr Fix it
Welcome to the forum.
The advice I always give to anyone thinking of buying an Elan/Plus 2 is to not rush into it. Do your research have a look at a few cars and talk to lots of owners. You are off to a good start by joining the forum. When I bought my Elan the forum did not exist and it was a steep and expensive learning curve.
There is a buyers guide on Elan.net and it is quite comprehensive.
I have also written a buyers guide. Its a more general over view covering the main issues with Elans and giving you some idea of what to look out for and costs.
If you contact me I can email a copy to you
There is a big gathering at Castle Combe coming up soon. There should be lots of Elans and owners there and certainly worth a visit.

Clive

especially as its the colour I was thinking

I have not seen another in the UK. You could prob count on one hand the number of Wedgewood blue +2 cars in existence. I have seen a few French Blue ones.

You could buy a red one and paint it.

Next you have to decide which type of +2 to buy? Have a look at: http://www.elanregistry.org/guide.php#plus2

Jason

I'm going for a project car. I've seen a few here so any comments..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300683987317? ... 500wt_1287

This was a very good price for a complete car.
I would avoid buying something with no engine as they are ?3,500+.

I bought mine with an MOT and then drove it for a few years so you can find out for yourself what is wrong with it. They are 40+ years old now so don't expect a brand new car; freshly painted and restored cars sold by Paul Matty are big money and I would be worried parking it in Tesco.

I would budget ?6k to ?10k. ?6k should get you a MOT runner that needs work. If you buy a project make sure it is all there; silly things like steering wheels and horn badges cost the earth.

Ebay, Pistonheads, classiccarsforsale or Club Lotus mag are good places to look for cars.

Jason

Pm'd

Any advice on what size trailer to collect a rolling chassis and shell

PM sent

mr fixit wrote:Any advice on what size trailer to collect a rolling chassis and shell

Welcome aboard.

Assuming the body is presently installed, the biggest issue in finding a trailer is to sort out a low approach angle for the loading ramps. You may have to use a few blocks or short boards behind the ramps so the front cowl doesn't contact the ramps during loading. I think 16 feet long should be sufficient. Would not recommend winching the car up the ramps with attachment to the front wishbones; try to get attachment to the front of the frame or push the car.

Echo remarks on getting a complete runner if budget will allow. Way easier first time through to restore something that sort of works rather than a box of parts. That said, the documentation available in the Workshop Manual, Parts Book, and restoration manuals is pretty good. Questions posted here are answered very quickly and the forum is a huge help.

Big decision on restoration is whether to pull the body or not. Generally based on frame condition, so inspect thoroughly or budget for a frame.

HTH

Hi

This bloke towed mine to the new house. http://www.secretgarage.co.uk/

It shows his tipping trailer on the webpage.

Jason

Update;-

Got a atrailer sorted so just need to collect, I'm hoping it will be this weekend!!

oh er missus