Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi all
I have bought a Lotus elan plus two and know nothing about them and wondering if I can ask for some information ?

I bought the car several years ago of Ebay and the seller had very little history on the car. But looking at the car I can see that its had some work done.
The chassis is white therefore I assume new but no idea, does any one has any knowledge on what can be fitted to the cars ?
The rear diff and all the running gear is painted and looks to be in reasonable condition.
The cars reg is POW 136 G and it’s a 1969 car. I am located in Aberdeen Scotland.
Any information would be amazing

Hi. Welcome to the forum. It looks like a nice car.

The chassis looks like a Lotus one rather than a Spyder. It may be an original non galvanised chassis. So, I'd check the chassis for rust. Most of the original chassis have been replaced with an aftermarket galvanised one by now, and those that have not, from what I have read, generally need to be replaced. But it may be ok - you should check though, especially at the top of the shock absorber towers.

I note you have a CV joint on the outside of the driveshafts, and the original doughnut on the inner end. The doughnuts can deteriorate, so that's something to check also. Sue Miller sells solid driveshaft kits.

Your headlights are still in the down position, so given the flat tyre in the photo I assume it's a non fail safe headlight system. You may want to consider converting them to failsafe.

Given the year it should be a non big valve 1558cc 701M block engine with a 4 speed box. You should be able to match up the engine number with that printed on the id plate in the engine bay. Any pics of the engine? Also pic of the interior?

Get it on the road haha! I'm trying to get mine back on the road now - what started as a quick job to fix a mis fire has expanded - but I'm loving it.

Regards.

Sean.

1969 should be 681F block?

The driveshaft with a CV/doughnut combination is a Spyder conversion:

https://www.spydercars.co.uk/lotus-elan-2-final-drive/

Oops, I didn't check the block. Sorry about that

Sean.

I'm in the same neck of woods as you and have spent the past ten months renovating a Plus 2 and learning as I go. I've completed a full suspension and brake system overhaul and returning the engine bay to a more presentable condition. Mine is also a 69 in Carnival Red. If you need to have a look at anything you're unsure about let me know and I'll help if I can.

viewtopic.php?f=51&t=50068

You can get details of your car's original build details and first dealer by writing to Andy Graham at the Lotus Archive.and providing the Chassis and engine numbers you have. Lotus provide a Classic Certificate of Vehicle Provenance. . Nice to have..

Hi bowers41,
well done nice buy.
If you look on the exhaust side along the chassis rail/flange you should see a number engraved somewhere.
If it begins with LR it's Lotus Replacement and if it's Galvanised which i hope it is for you.
Spot Fog lights a +2S or no Spots +2.
My second Lotus Elan was a Feb 1970 +2S and my favorite +2 model. Fuse Boxes and fairy lights everywhere even inside Ash trays + Puddle Lights. + folding back seat.
Alan

Hi guys amazing feed back thank you.
I'll definitely need to dig in to the car I'll get some interior pics posted to.
Really need to inspect the chassis. I have been set away with work though.
Do you have a picture of where the LR number will be on the chassis ?
If it's a original one I assume am doomed lol ? I'll check the strut tops I mean it looks pretty clean.
I have also managed to source a set of matched twin 40s I think they are 131,s

Some extra pics

It looks to me like the front tower has had work done to it.
Alan

On my Lotus replacement ‘sub frame’ (chassis) the LR number was on the top surface of the LH rail between the engine mount and suspension tower. I doubt you’ll be able to see it with the body fitted.

See attached pics.

As per Donel's post you should be able to see the LR number between the lh engine mounting and inner wing on the top surface of the chassis. Mine is partially covered by the grp but still visible.