Hello and shall I buy a Plus 2

[niagra]

Hello all,

I'm coming to the end of my current restoration project - a 1953 Matchless motorcycle and am already thinking about my next project. I'm really keen on the Plus 2 and would appreciate any buying advice, things to look out for etc.

I like the look of this project, apart from the lack of a head!

[url]http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C305938/url]

What do you think of this as a project? Is it worth that sort of money, considering the expense of a new head? Are Spyder chassis considered a good thing?

Thanks,
Dario

[andyhodg]

Hi Dario

Welcome to Elan.net. Whether or not that is a fair price depends on the condition of the rest of the car. How good is the paintwork and interior? Its been standing for a while, how long? what is the condition of all the rubber parts, etc. etc. If everything else is in good condition I would say its fairly priced.

From what I can see from the photos the addition of a head would allow you to have a reasonable car that could be used pretty quickly and perhaps form the basis of a rolling restoration. you need to budget aroung ?2000 for a second hand replacement head with all the usual work completed (by a reputable builder) new seats etc. Are the cams, follows ect with the car? There appears to be a set of carbs in the boot which is good.

Bear in mind that 6,000 plus should get you a good car that is a good runner and be in occasional use.

Spyder chassis are considered by several people to be better that the original but that will always ignite the original vs. modified debate. Personally I consider it a perfectly acceptable modification.

Good luck with your search


Andy

[Carlos A]

Buy the best you can get with the money in the budget. I would say try to avoid projects: they end up being 3 to 5 times more expensive. Carlos

[Jason1]

Hi Dario and welcome.

I would say its priced about right if it had a head but it is difficult to tell what the engine it like without seeing it running. The bottom end could be no good and then you have to price up a crank grind and rebuild. If you are thinking of buying this car ?3000 would give you ?500 for the bottom end and ?500 for a used head.

Cars that have been standing are going to have problems. It would be cheaper to buy a ?6000 car in the long run.

This is the lowest priced complete +2 (below) I have seen for a long time which sold for ?3500 but it needed a lot of work. It will give you a feel for what it priced at the lowest end of the market.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280936330060? ... 500wt_1182

Jason

[cal44]

A '53 Matchless.............oh' my..............

[Bob]

Dario,
I don't think I would go for this look like someone has already had a go and failed, head seems to be missing, think twice there is a better project in Rugby.
I know its ended but try the guy in any case
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280947945682? ... 1423.l2649


and this one look like a whole better bet.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lotus-elan-2s ... 6rk%3D4%26

When you buy make sure its complete, otherwise it get expensive, and a good paint job is worth at least ?5000.

I will PM you i have a project you may be interested in its not a +2
Bob

[JJDraper]

Dario, we seem to be approaching this business from opposite ends...

However, the car seems to be from a known Lotus enthusiast, so it may be worth having a chat with them to get a clearer idea of the state of the car's mechanicals. Also, what do you want from the deal? A full restore, or a usable hack for little outlay? An unknown engine condition will set you back GBP 2-3k to sort out, including sourcing a head (Stromberg may be cheaper and you can sell the Webers).

Jeremy

[niagra]

I'm not too hot on the singles, is that about a '55? Looks like a lot of work! Mine's taken about a year so far and came in boxes but the bits looked a lot better. Are you in the AMOC?

Thanks for all the Elan advice so far, keep it coming.
Dario

[EPA]

Dario
I would look for a car that can be seen/heard running as the rebuild costs could really escalate on this one. You also have very little idea of what else will need doing. Cars that have been stored for long periods usually need lots of work to stop various leaks etc . Paying more for a better example will be cheaper in the long run.
Also pay particular attention to the body/paintwork as this can cost a fortune to restore if not in good condition.
In the end it depends how much of a project you want but you need to consider the potential cost of the restoration and not just the initial purchase price of the car

ED

[niagra]

Thanks, advice so far much appreciated.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320972881457?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_684wt_1219

Here's another one that's cropped up on eBay. Again though, the engine cannot be heard running but it has reputedly had a rebuild but there is no paperwork to back it up.

One to avoid?

Cheers,
Dario

[pauljones]

Dario,

I payed ?6K for mine,summer 06.Why,well thats less than the reciepts for work that was carried out by PO,mostly for rebuilt engine and gearbox (4sp). I agree it was too much based even on todays prices but brought with my heart....I can hear the tuts even now.

For the first year everything was ok,then the problems came,just trying to get it MOT'd cost a fortune,basicaly required a chassis component rebuild.All but shocks and springs to be honest.

Then it didnt run right,followed advice on here,cleaned and reset carbs,no joy.Then tried ignition route,ended up getting a full Aldon set up and another load of cash to boot.

Loads of problems later and loads of cash spent sorting them out too, I now have a running plus 2.For the money it owes me I honestly could buy a near concours example,not my tired looking but mechanical sound example.

Moral of the story.....buy the best you can afford from a reputable specialist.


Paul

[Bob]

Dario,

I payed ?6K for mine,summer 06.Why,well thats less than the reciepts for work that was carried out by PO,mostly for rebuilt engine and gearbox (4sp). I agree it was too much based even on todays prices but brought with my heart....I can hear the tuts even now.

For the first year everything was ok,then the problems came,just trying to get it MOT'd cost a fortune,basicaly required a chassis component rebuild.All but shocks and springs to be honest.

Then it didnt run right,followed advice on here,cleaned and reset carbs,no joy.Then tried ignition route,ended up getting a full Aldon set up and another load of cash to boot.

Loads of problems later and loads of cash spent sorting them out too, I now have a running plus 2.For the money it owes me I honestly could buy a near concours example,not my tired looking but mechanical sound example.

Moral of the story.....buy the best you can afford from a reputable specialist.


Paul

Very good advise
Bob

[Matt Elan]

Hi Darius
I've bought various bits from Vincent Haydon and found him honest and easy to talk to. I don't think he is too far off the money on this one - a mate has just bought most of a Plus 2 in lots of bits but with no engine for about 2.5K. My Plus 2, again without engine cost me less, but came from my brotehr in law; also without an engine and in lots of bits! As you can see from my picture the paint needs a bit of attention. I manged to find most of the bits needed to build up and engine, big bits off ebay and the smaller odds and ends from Burton and QED; the stromberg head was ?250. I've just started to build up the engine.
I have also been restoring bikes for the last 15 years, starting with a 1970 650 Bonnie and working through a T25SS, BSA A65, Triumph T100C and a Norton Commando. My strategy was to buy the worst example possible but with the right frame and engine and then rebuild and/or replace everything as then you know that it is all right. The engine side of things is not so bad on the Lotus as just about everything is available new or secondhand so I wouldn't let the lack of the head put you off. Good luck and go for it!

[JJDraper]

As Matt says, VH has been into Loti for many years, and has had a hand in the 6speed Mazda gearbox conversion story. If you are serious, you are going to have to start tyre kicking and speaking to sellers...

Slight thread diversion, it is a '55 - my two wheel excursion is currently 'resting' awaiting some time not spent on sorting out the plus 2 or painting the house. Massive initial progress though, including getting the frame number sorted with the DVLA and keeping the registration number.

Good luck with the hunt for a suitable car, and keep asking questions on this forum.

Jeremy

[cliveyboy]

Dario
There are some very comprehensive buyers guides on this forum.
I have also written one myself which is more basic but quotes some general prices
and costs etc.
If you are interested give me an email and I will forward it on to you.
Clive