Cabriolet ?

[FarmerGDC]

Hi, My first time on a forum, sorry if this topic has been done to death already. I have an Elan plus 2 from 1969. I am putting her back on the road to honor the previous owner who sadly passed away before he got her back up and running. You will see from the photos that this car has had its roof chopped, but it is a true cabriolet, not a full convertible. I have a signed insurance document from the previous owner which states this was a Christopher Neil conversion (date 1997, costing £1k =VAT) ... i can't find any details of another Elan with this type of 'mod', anyone out there seen another ?

[richardcox_lotus]

It’s a first for me. Very interesting!

[Matt Elan]

If you look at pages 180 and 181 of my Lotus Elan and Plus 2 Source Book, Matthew Vale, ISBN978-1-787114-59-3 (its on Amazon) there is info on the Hexagon and Christopher Neil convertible Plus 2. Plus some pics of both types - the CN version has a much neater hood than the Hexagon version.

[JonB]

They’re not common though…

[Slowtus]

They’re not common though…

Wish there were more common, I converted one of mine and loved driving it.

[Matt Elan]

There were only 2 hexagon conversions and a few more cn types I think low double figures. They do pop up from time to time but are rare. The cn ones were by all accounts well engineered. I’m not 100% sure but I think sue miller has the moulds for the cn conversion

[FarmerGDC]

Thanks Guys, this is useful information. I had not heard of the 'Heaxgon' so will look into that.
The conversion is definitely a quality conversion, strengthened down the B posts and good quality molding over the door frame and seamlessly bonded from door to windscreen. I am still completing the re-commission but managed to get it out on the road for the first time since 1988, yesterday, the rigidity of the body was impressive, as was the agility and turn of speed.
Thanks for the comments so far.

[FarmerGDC]

This is the hood (sorry the pictures are appearing inverted .....can't find out why ??)

[cliveyboy]

Welcome to the forum
I remember seeing a red CN conversion at Donnington Lotus show many years ago.
I also saw one for sale quite recently but dont know who converted it.
Clive

[Matt Elan]

Taking a closer look at the pictures I’ve not seen a cabriolet like yours - all the cn cabriolets I’ve seen had the rear pillar removed completely. Still looks like a nice car.

[billwill]

This is the hood (sorry the pictures are appearing inverted .....can't find out why ??)

I would guess that you took the photos with a mobile phone and you have a facility switched-on on the phone, that displays pictures the correct way up. This disguised the fact that (probably) you took the photo with the phone upside down.

TRy displaying them on your computer and if they appear upside down, select 180 degree rotation and save it. THen upload the saved file.

[richardcox_lotus]

Taking a closer look at the pictures I’ve not seen a cabriolet like yours - all the cn cabriolets I’ve seen had the rear pillar removed completely. Still looks like a nice car.

Exactly. This is different to any other Hexagon or CN cabrio I’ve seen. That B pillar design is very slick, IMO.

Regards
Richard

[trw99]

A few years ago I wrote an article for Club Lotus News magazine on Plus 2 Dropheads and variants, which I attach below.

You will see that targa conversions get a mention.

Tim

[FarmerGDC]

Thanks for the interesting read.
I am guessing my vehicle is going to fall into the 'others' category.
I am the 3rd owner from new and understand the previous (now deceased) owner of 40 years plus ran a well regarded engineering firm in Bath (Wilts). The car had been off the road in his premises since 1988, undergoing a restoration by this owner, sadly he was unable to complete.
I am grateful for the kind comments and interest shown.
Regards.

[cliveyboy]

I have a feeling I have seen a Targa conversion that used the Triumph Stag rollbar