New Zealand Plus 2 History

[Bud5000]

I just recently bought a Lotus Plus 2. Wasn't really looking for one but it really struck a chord with me.
It's been in NZ since 2019 after being brought into the country from Scotland. I don't know any of the history prior to that year. All I have is the VIN/Chassis number and engine number.
1968
50/0462
LP110781
I believe it was originally painted red but is now sky blue.
How would I go about tracking down its previous UK history?
I've looked at all the registries and done all the research I can but have now struck a brick wall.
Any help is really appreciated.

[alan.barker]

If you tell us what uk reg it was is the easiest way
Alan

[trw99]

I do have a note on that very car in my register.

It merely states that: Feb 2005 it was bought by Jonny in Australia and was painted blue, listed on the Unibrain registry.

I have just looked it up on same, as you can see here: https://www.elanregistry.org/app/list_cars.php

The car was invoiced by the factory on 23 March 1968 with that Engine No. For more data I suggest you contact Andy Graham, the Lotus factory archivist ([email protected])

Tim

[Bud5000]

Just found out the UK rego was PKC997F.
I'll email Andy Graham to see what he comes back with.

[trw99]

PKC 997F was first registered on 10 June 1968 at the Liverpool licensing office. The likely dealer may have been Mayfair Motors; Andy will confirm.

The car has an expired MOT date of 28 Dec 2019, it has an MOT history going back to 2007 and at its last test showed a mileage of 70,648. The last V5 change was 12 Jun 2012. The last time it was taxed, it ran out on 1 May 2013.

Tim

[The Veg]

Welcome Bud!

[Bud5000]

Thanks Veg

[street]

Was that the blue one, with ford in line 4 on trade me, from Ralph. I’m guessing planning on finally getting to compliance for
My +2 after they wanted to see the chassis, went hole hog and fully rebuilt chassis. I’m in Auckland where are you

[Bud5000]

Nope I got mine from Johnny in Hamilton with factory motor. He imported it and went through the same compliance requirement to take the body off. He put new sills in to take the replacement belts, also had to comply for adjustable front suspension. That was in 2019 and cost a fortune a cording to the receipts he gave me.
Has a current WOF and Rego but WOF expire July.
Im going to go through it with a fine tooth comb to see what I need to repair/replace so that it'll pass another warrant. Unfortunately I'm recovering from major surgery so it'll be a couple of months to get into it.
Yes I'm located in Auckland, out in Swanson.
Richard

[street]

We should plan a visit, we’ve owned mine since 88, brought it over after dad passed. I have done pretty much everything you can, engine, chassis, drive train, suspension, brakes the lot. What is you number and we can chat once
I have passed compliance

[Bud5000]

Hi Street
021985938 Richard.
Happy to catch at some point. I've just had some big surgery so can't do any heavy lifting,that means no work on the car. At the moment I'm doing the history research and making some ground.

[Bud5000]

Hi Tim
Mailed Andy and he said it was delivered to Hodgson Motors in Rhyl March 68 and the owner purchased it as a kit car to avoid the new car tax.
I might try a UK vehicle report for between it's first delivery date and 2005. An HPI check on 6 June 2019 states it was painted blue 20 Dec 2004.
I have the bill of sale letter from the UK owner to Johnny here in NZ 5 Feb 2019 but I think that is the date the letter was written for NZ complaince not the sale date. I'll check with Johnny. That last MOT check/expiry you mention is accurate.
The weirdest thing though is, I put the UK rego plate into Google search and it returned one image of it in Lochgair Scotland on 09 Sep 2012.
Anyway I'll forge on ahead and once I have confirmed details and history I'm happy to update any databases for anyone.
Richard

[trw99]

Richard, thanks for that. Its had an interesting life, that's for sure!

Good luck!

Tim