Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

From what I can find it was one of the last of the Plus 2's built before the Plus 2S came out at 50/1593.
Was this built in early 69?
Engine number on the tag is I/18947.
It is a Federal car.
When did they start the folding rear seatback?

Cheers,
Glenn

Glenn M wrote:When did they start the folding rear seatback?

I thought it was an original feature of the +2 but went away with the s130 updated interior. I am probably wrong thou.

2036, Which is pre-S, does not have a foldable rear seat.

For me it was only +2S with folding seat.
Alan

Glen, there are no build dates for the early Elans. However, there is a record of invoices. Your car was invoiced on 21st May 1969, with that Engine No fitted at the factory.

You should also bear in mind that cars were not built sequentially. You mention the next Unit No to your car as being the first +2S. However, that car was not invoiced until 1st October 1969 and is the first recorded +2 with the F type engine, by Unit No.

In further proof of the dates and Unit Nos not being sequential, the Unit No before your car, also a Federal car, was not invoiced until 17th July 1969.

Tim

My September '71 +2 S130 has a folding rear seat.

Alan

Glenn,

Starting with the easier one, by checking out the interior section of the +2 Parts Manual, you will see the folding rear seat back was introduced in the +2S and only used in the +2S. It continued until the end of production, when ever that was.

As to the build date for 50/1587, that's a bit more difficult to answer. As was noted, it was invoiced on May 21, 1969, thus allowing transit time, build date would be at least April or March. The information sheets that some of us have shows that 50/1587 was the 9th of 14 +2s built in sequence (1579-1592). Nos. 1580 and 1588 were both invoiced on April 30, 1969, again allowing transit time, the build date would be at least March or February.

It should be noted that these units were assembled as "federal" variants and included those going to the Canadian market where USDOT requirements did not apply, meaning that some had Webers and 3-eared knock on/off wheel hubs. 50/1586 sold on BaT a while back and can be used as a comparison, if you want.

The best way to get greater details, is to contact Andy Graham, Lotus Archivist and obtain a Classic Certificate of Vehicle Provenance.

Hope this helps your quest...

Cheers

Greatly appreciate all of the replies.
All great information and very interesting.
Will check out the BAT car.

Cheers,
Glenn