Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hello All, I know that the issues with towing a Plus 2 have been discussed before, but I’m hoping for some advice on moving a non-running Plus 2. I have a Plus 2 130/5 in the garage which hasn’t moved now since 2018. It’s on a replacement Lotus chassis so no towing eye. Im looking to get the car out and sent for recommissioning, probably at Lakeside engineering which is 30 mins ish from my house. My question is how I can get it onto the back of a transport truck as they’ll need to winch it on. I’m worried that they either won’t be able to load it or will damage it. Does anyone know a transport company serving Surrey with experience of moving a plus 2? I’d really like to get the car out on the road again and would be grateful for any advice. Thanks Ben

I would invest in one or two of this type of strap:
https://www.harborfreight.com/3333-lb-c ... 57271.html

Then you can careful fit it/them around the front cross member in advance of the flat bed coming. The flatbed should be able to hook to them and winch it on. Assuming the car rolls freely the force involved should be fairly low and risks low.

I had to have mine winched on to a flat bed ~a year ago via the front arms after a break down, I had no other choice and typical recovery truck driver who didn't want to mess around too much. Luckily no damage but did make him not use them as a tie down for during the transport.

does the co have a wheel lift/stinger arm. Or only the deck.
if the former, its easy.

Hopefully, the tyres hold air and the hubs have bearings. So it should roll. There is little resistance when rolling. So then the angle of the deck. Zero clearance decks which is what I run, will have the least resistance. The greater the angle, the more resistance or the more possible damage.

Self equalizing attachments, or fixed attachments with a self-equalizing lead would be prudent.

as mbell suggests +1, and the outer points towards the arms or even go the distance to the rear of the frame at the outer most point of the frame/chassis

I’ve used http://www.transportingcars.co.uk a few times and been very pleased. On my recommendation others have used them too and also been very happy. Give them a call and explain your concerns and ask they’d do it. They’ve moved thousands of cars including a Bugatti Veyron! Nice people too.


Could you maybe have a few mates/neighbours round and push it on?

Oh and I think they strap down over the 4 tyres.

Hello,interesting topic. Just for info can anyone recommend a good garage for recommissioning in the South Wales area, my +2 is starting to get the better of me.Regards Steve

If it’s mechanical stuff Qmech in Blackmill - Andy