Road and Track - 1972 Summary - Elan, Sprint, Plus 2S 130

[SF69Elan]

Here are R&T's road test summaries for the 1973 Elan lineup...

[LotusArchives]

Thank you for sharing that, is there a publication date?

[SF69Elan]

Unfortunately my copy of the magazine does not have a cover and is missing the first few pages. After reading the intro (see the scans below) - I actually think this is a 1972 year end summary magazine that R&T published that consolidated all the road tests from 1972. This conclusion comes from comments about the Lotus models in the intro below. I looked online to try to find a cover with a date, but to no avail. I'm going to update the title of this post to 1972.

[stugilmour]

The same Elan Sprint article is listed as originally published March 1972.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/March-1972-Road ... xyVaBSzNLF

The Plus 2 article was originally published June 1972.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Road-Track-June ... 0DWXylavxA

The original articles are reproduced in my Lotus Elan Ultimate Portfolio 1962 - 1974, Brooklands Books ISBN 1 85520 5513, compiled by R M Clarke. Excellent book, but only reproduced in black and white.

I do recall R&T published year end summaries by compiling all the road tests for the previous year. I think it used to hit the news stands around January / February. They were called "Buyer's Guide" or "Road Test Annual".

Thanks for all the scans; keep 'em coming! Excellent reads. I love how the contemporary articles can reframe your impression of your Lotus e.g. Describing the Plus 2 as a quiet tourer with the windows open, the TC as very reliable, and a recommendation to find ANY alternative to the rotoflex.

Stu

[SF69Elan]

Hi Stu - thanks for your feedback and for the info on the Lotus Elan Ultimate Portfolio book - didn't realize that existed. Looks like it is available on amazon and eBay - I'll definitely put it on my list.

I agree that's it's interesting to read the contemporary articles to see how the cars were perceived at the time, what other cars they were compared to, etc. It helps put our driving experience in them now in perspective.

At this point I've scanned and posted all the Lotus related period magazine articles that I have. If I obtain any more, i'll be sure to post them as well.

Rich