Difference between ride height on early and later model +2's

[blackandgold]

Today I went and had a look at a 68 car that is for sale localy, the car is 50/204 built on the 23/1/68

I was struck by the difference in ride height compared to my S130 in NZ the car looked lower with the wheels filling the arches

So I checked the pictures of these models in the catalogs and sure enough
the early cars sat a lot lower

Does any body know why, was it something to do with the later cars adopting a the federal spec in relation to suspension

Personaly I like the early car look

[dusty]

Does any body know why, was it something to do with the later cars adopting a the federal spec in relation to suspension

Yes I think it was to do with the minimum headlight height required in the US.

[Elanintheforest]

I've seen two different front springs for sale...early and late, so I guess that they are the difference. I agree, the later Plus 2 looks too high with a large gap, especially at the back, between the top of the wheel and the arch.
Second point...buy it! You know that need one in each country
Mark

[blackandgold]

I wonder if it is possible to lower the S130 by using the pre S springs this would improve the looks of the car, has anyone done this ?

The car I looked at is on The Elan factories web site link is as follows

http://www.elanfactory.com.au/showroom.htm

Asking price is now lower than in the ad, but there are a few issues the first is that it is missing the gutters and trims these have not been put back on since car had bodywork done , secondly rear bumper is a silver plastic unit instead of the chrome one , thirdly body shape seems to have lost some definition since the body work work was done, and finaly it is on the original chassis which after nearly 40 years you would expect to have stress cracks other than this mechanicaly the car seemed in good order except it felt a bit flacid compared to my BDA S130

The owner is under the belief that the car is worth more in the UK than in Australia and is contemplating shipping there to sell, I suspect not, does anybody have a idea what it might be worth if offered for sale in old blighty

[1964 S1]

I agree with Dusty once again, (even tho' he posts a picture of some foreign car every time I see his name.)
It was a goofy USA headlight law that raised the beam level and I'm guessing Mr. Chapman went along with it. My pre headlight law federalized 1969 +2 has the lower original suspension stance. It's beautiful.
Later in production, we still have a wonderful car designed around a Capri front bumper and tilted windscreen but it sits a couple of inches higher. Why?

[bengalcharlie]

Hi Mark,

can not be too difficult to change the springs to lower the car.
Many years ago I used to work for autolign in Newmarket and they specialise in suspension parts and will be able to supply you with any spring you like.
Why do you not ship your own car over to Aussie?
Or is that difficult? I know that the aussies are very protective of their own market but sure it must be easier for you to bring over your car as household goods?
Then you could lower your car and all is done.
PS I do know of another plus two for sale in auckland, a plus two 130/4 in bits but all the glass work is done and the engine was rebuild before the strip down.
cheers
Robin

69 plus two, 60 alfa giulietta spider and a very sorry 57 lancia appia

[Elanintheforest]

Mark
The missing bits aren't a problem. There are a pair of early roof rails on eBay right now...usually go for ?30 or so. I bought a good rear bumper a couple of weeks ago for ?150. The body shape definition is a lot more of a worry....are you sure it's not just the depth of the 2 pack finish that makes it looks like it's lost the lines? I assume you're talking about the 'sharp' wing line that goes up the middle of the front wing, that sort of stuff. If it's lost that sort of definition, I'd walk away for sure. If the car wasn't stripped to the bare shell, it could just have a lot of layers of paint on it to dull the lines, and that will bring paint problems later on.

As for it being worth more in the UK, he's lost touch since 1988! He would struggle to get ?5000 ($13000) for it here, especially with the original chassis. And as that chassis had been in the UK for 10 years, it's not just the stress cracks you have to look out for...the towers will be rusting from the inside, without doubt.

I recently shipped a Plus 2 to a mate in Melbourne, and without import tax, it cost the best part of ?3000, including handling, strapping, loading / unloading, steam cleaning, getting the car to and from the ports, etc. Which means he'd get a nett of ?2000 for it here!

Get negotiating...or walk if the bodywork is bad.
Mark

[blackandgold]

Mark

The reason I went to look at the car was because I had not seen a early car in the flesh and any +2 is a rare thing in Australia I have only seen three cars here in all my time in Sydney, also my +2 experiences have been in my BDA S130 which as mentioned has more robust performance than the standard car, a series one car has appeal to me, unfortunatly the owners idea of a immaculate car is not the same as mine and he wasn't even aware that the trim bits were missing, although they were there before it was painted so he is sure they can be found, I was told the body was striped right back and all cracks fixed, so it could be that the paint is a bit thick or too much gelcoat was applied If I take it any further I would talk to the person who did the work and ask for photographic evidence, there are other none standard items such as later model seats, wrong interier lights,later model boot opening, map light hanging in middle of the dash, Vdo brand ancillary guages, these are not bad things but I would like car to be closer to original spec and would all cost money to sort and as you know it is always harder and more expensive to do this down under than in the cars spiritual home land , if you have seen the Australia movie "The Castle" then you will know the quote from the movie "Tell him he is dreaming" is appropriate in this case

Robin,

I know Autolign in Newmarket they did some work on my car around 83 and offer a professional service they also made up my engine mounts in a heavy duty material for me in 97 , as far bringing car over here that is always a possibility but need a decent garage as car needs work to make it roadworthy, so the idea of a car that is already to drive localy appeals any idea what price is been asked for 130/4 ?

[bengalcharlie]

Hi Mark,,

I do understand your concerns.
The guy selling the 130/4 was asking around the 15.000 for it but that was years ago so If you are interested you could contact him or I could ask for you.
He is listed on my list I did send you so if inerested send my an email.
cheers
Robin

PS I will keep an eye out for a good plus two but I am afraid that it will be a hard call

[Stuart+2]

Hello Mark.
I am a Sydney +2 owner but I don't know how many there are.
One is being rebuilt in Wollongong - there's a great Aboriginal name for non-Aussies!

Have you checked out the 1967 +2 for sale at Brooklands Classic Cars in Melbourne.

I have driven it - great condition but I didn't like the Paddy Hopkirk seats that were fitted.

There are photos on the Brooklands website if you're interested.

Are you Sydney-based or NZ? Be good to have another +2 around the place!

Cheers

[blackandgold]

Hi Stuart,

My car is in NZ and I am in Sydney which makes it hard to use on a regular basis,I have owned car since 1981 but alas it has spent to much time stationary and will need work to recommison as a reliable car but it does run and most bodges are my own so can't complain about the PO too much

I am aware of the Brooklands car and have posted the web link for it on this site It looks a bit over restored and are not too keen on the paint job,
however if car has mechanicly restored properly including chassis then could be worth a look, tell me how did it drive and what work has been done also did you know the cars vin number

On another note I would be interested having a look at your car , do you use it daily ? I live in Pyrmont behind Darling harbour so let me know if you are over this way

[Stuart+2]

Hello Mark

Yes we are over in North Balgowlah - just got back from a drive to the mountains with my wife in the Elan - needless to say a great day. It gets used several times a week - I've done 3,000 miles in the 7 months I've owned it.

As far as the Brooklands Elan goes, I completely agree on the paint job but pretty easy (relatively) to rectify. I had a brief look over it and a drive last October - a big receipts file including a new dash - drove well. Don't know the details but a call to Paul Sabine or his son at Brooklands will get you this info. As I said, I really didn't go for the seats but they'd be great on the track and others would love them. Generally a very sound restoration from what I saw. Chassis no. is reported as 603LBA so looks like someone missed a few numbers.

There's a few +2s on the market - one for $34k but no doubt negotiable.

Send a message with your contact details so we can stay in touch and I'll forward the site put together by a +2 restorer in "The Gong".

Cheers

[inxs]

Hi Mark,
If your in Adelaide drop me a PM, I have most probably the earliest + 2 in Australia, mine is 50/100.

The early cars are great and have a un cluttered "elagance" about them.

There are about 5 + 2's in Adelaide. It is suprising on how many there are in Australia. Perhaps a Auusie register would be good??

Cheers,
Darren

[bengalcharlie]

Darren,

As tabled before I would be keen to start a register of plus two's so if you know of any cars in aussie I can supply with the cars I know of in NZ.
Cheers
Robin

[bengalcharlie]

Darren,

As tabled before I would be keen to start a register of plus two's so if you know of any cars in aussie I can supply with the cars I know of in NZ.
Cheers
Robin